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An MDM PUBLICATION Issue 8 – November 2001
Offshore Oil Rig Fire Protection
also inside Fire Safety Cables CE Marking For Building Hardware Plastics In Construction The Global Voice for Passive & Active Fire Protection Systems
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When You Specify Fire Protection, Remember Exactly What You Need To Protect. Minimum code specifications require at least a sprinkler system to protect the building. But what about the business? What about the computer equipment? The sensitive electronics? The irreplaceable data? All can be damaged by water, which can lead to significant downtime or worse. In many cases, the worst thing that can happen is for the water sprinkler system to work perfectly. That’s why you should consider an FM-200® fire suppression system. The FM-200 fire suppression agent doesn’t leave behind any oily residues, particulates, water, or corrosive materials-so it won’t cause collateral damage to the invaluable things businesses need to stay in business. © 2001 Great Lakes Chemical Corporation
Find out more about FM-200 fire suppression systems today. It’s the best way to protect your customers’ businesses. And your reputation.
www.FM-200.com FM-200 is a patented product of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation. FM-200 is a registered trademark of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation.
Enquiries: www.fm-200.com Enquiry Card No. 1
The World’s Most Trusted Choice In Clean Agent Fire Suppression.
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November 2001 Issue 8 ICAT ION An MDM PUBL mber 2001 Issue 8 – Nove
Offshore Oil Rig Fire Protection ... 3-8 Fire Safety Cables ................... 11-14 Fire Rated and Smoke Outlet Ductwork ..................................17-20
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Of fs ho re l Oi Ri g Fi re Pr ot ec tio n
Foam & Foam Systems For Protecting Storage Tanks........ 23-27 FSSA News ................................... 29 Are Combustible Plastics Lurking In The Construction Of Your Facility? .......................31-34
also inside
e for The Glob al Voic
ables Fire Safety C ardware or Building H CE Marking F truction s n o C n I s c i t Plas ion Sys tem s ve Fire Pro tect Pas sive & Acti
Front cover picture: Copyright © 2001 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved
The RSA Forum............................. 38 The Development Of Residential Fire Sprinklers ...... 43-47 Detectors Raise The Alarm For Special Hazards ................ 49-52
Publishers David Staddon & Mark Seton
Product Profile – Wirsbo/Homesafe Fire Protection System ................. 55
Editorial Contributors Gary Piermattei, Graham Small, Phil Bayliss, Peter Battrick, Chris Miles, Mitch Lebovic, Sir George Pigot, Ron Smith
CE Marking For Building Hardware ................................. 56-58
General Manager Maggie Evans
See pages 3-8
Company Profile – Nelson Firestop Products.................... 36-37
See pages 17-20
Fire-Resistant Glazing For Building Facades..................... 60-62 Standards For Special Hazards Suppression Systems ............. 64-66
IFP is published quarterly by: MDM Publishing Ltd 18a, St James Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5BW United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 1460 249199 Fax: +44 (0) 1460 249292 e-mail: ifpmag@globalnet.co.uk website: www.ifpmag.com
Product Profile – DuPont FE-36™ ......................................... 68 Product Update ....................... 69-70 Spectrex................................... 71-78 Advertisers’ Index ........................ 80
See pages 60-62
©All rights reserved
COMMENT . . .
Periodical Postage paid at Charnplain New York and additional offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to IMS of New York, P 0 Box 1518 Champlain NY 12919-1518 USAUSPS No. (To be confirmed)
HERE WE ARE AT Issue 8, the November 2001 edition of IFP. All our staff at MDM Publishing Ltd would like to express our extreme sorrow and sadness at the events, which took place in the USA on September 11th. An event that none of us will forget and one we pray we will never have to witness again. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims, their family and friends at this time. This issue marks the completion of our second year publishing the magazine. A magazine that we’re sure you will agree, has developed and grown since the first issue was published back in February 2000. We still aim to improve every issue, and would like to encourage your comments, praises and criticisms, either by letter or e-mail: ifpmag@globlanet.co.uk. The main feature article of this issue is OFFSHORE OIL RIG FIRE PROTECTION and is authored by Gary Piermattei of RJA. A quality article of great interest to many of you. We also feature, Fire Safety Cables, Fire Rated Ductwork, Foam Systems For Protecting Storage Tanks, Residential Sprinklers, Standards For Special Hazard Suppression Systems and much, much more. . . .
Annual Subscription UK & Europe - £25.00 Overseas - £30.00 or US$55.00 lSSN - 1468-3873 DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION are not necessarily those of MDM Publishing Ltd. The magazine and publishers are in no way responsible or legally liable for any errors or anomalies made within the editorial by our authors. All articles are protected by copyright and written permission must be sought from the publishers for reprinting or any form of duplication of any of the magazines content. Any queries should be addressed in writing to the publishers. Reprints of articles are available on request. Prices on application to the Publishers.
Page design by Dorchester Typesetting Group Ltd Printed by The Friary Press Ltd
NEW LAUNCH We are also proud to announce our new launch for March 2002. ASIA PACIFIC FIRE Magazine (APF) covers all aspects of the fire industry, both fixed and mobile, but has a dedicated circulation in just the Asia Pacific Fire Market. For more information on advertising or subscribing, please logon to our website www.apfmag.com or e-mail Mark Seton at: apfmag@globalnet.co.uk. We hope you enjoy this issue and although it may seem a little early, we would like to wish you a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Until next time . . . Kind regards David Staddon & Mark Seton Co-Publishers
INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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Searching for a fire and gas system for complete hazard monitoring? Do you also want a system with worldwide approvals that delivers no undisclosed failures and has the lowest cost of ownership? Your search is over, we have your solution.
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OFFSHORE OIL RIG FIRE PROTECTION BY GARY PIERMATTEI, P.E.
Pic: Rolf Jensen & Associates Inc.
Pushing The Limits DEMAND FOR NEW RESERVES is increasing and oil exploration has been pushing the limits, finding oil in even deeper water every year. Protecting offshore oil rigs from fire requires an equally progressive development of systems to meet the challenge. From the onset, the offshore oil industry expanded on existing marine fire protection technology to meet its needs. This article looks at offshore oil platforms and mobile offshore drilling units (referred to generically as “oil rigs�) and the many different fire protection systems used in their protection. These systems must endure a hostile environment, be easy to maintain, address rapidly developing fires with high heat release rates, have a high degree of reliability and meet the approval of a number of regulatory authorities. To meet this challenge, new products and designs have been used to push the limits of performance of some standard fire protection systems. Listed below is a brief description of the systems and how they have been adapted. Some of these improvements may be useful for application in other fields.
GOALS As with any system design it is vitally important to review the overall goals. Typical land based property and marine based facilities lacking oil related prod-
ucts have different challenges and goals. Most fire protection systems dealing with relatively low heat release hazards have the goal of detecting the fire and controlling or extinguishing the fire prior to the arrival of trained
firefighters. Oil rig fire protection offshore deals with a set of conditions similar to refinery-based protection, but with some additional complications: An uncontrolled hydrocarbon release may overwhelm any suppression system, firefighting efforts must be performed by onsite personnel, and evacuating the facility has entirely different risks and consequences than with a land-based operation. The high heat release rate fires make the first reasonable goal to be one of limiting the amount of fuel available to burn. Once the appropriate valves are closed and vessels isolated then the fire suppression systems must protect the valves, vessels and critical structures while the remaining residual fuel is consumed. These different goals make it appropriate to place a different emphasis than is found in many other fire protection applications. Offshore oil rig fire protection by necessity has to place more emphasis on avoiding the fire in the first place and in providing better training to responding personnel.
REGULATIONS The regulatory process for offshore facilities is very different from that for land based facilities. Many prescriptive features are provided to meet classification society requirements (insurance and finance concerns) and to comply with governmental regulations. There are a number of possible enforcing agencies: the classification society, the INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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OFFSHORE OIL RIG FIRE PROTECTION coastal administration of the government to whom the lease belongs, and if it is a vessel, the government under whose flag the vessel is registered.
PASSIVE PROTECTION Passive fire protection is used on the oil rig to provide protection for essential equipment, maintain structural integrity, and assist with refuge and escape efforts. Bulkhead and deck structures are provided with “fireproofing� to help maintain the adequacy of fire boundaries. While some of this fireproofing involves the use of standard rock wool found on marine structures, there have been a number of intumescent products and specialty coatings that are well suited to the marine oil rig environment. These coatings are typically applied to steel bulkheads and decks, are moisture and oil resistant and can be appropriate for an offshore corrosive environment. Boundaries that need to be protected
Figure 2. Rolf Jensen & Associates Inc.
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Figure 1. Rolf Jensen & Associates Inc.
include: control rooms, accommodations (living quarters), machinery rooms, process areas, and exit ways. Penetrations of these bulkheads with piping and ventilation ducts need to be properly protected in a manner similar to land based operations. Rated bulkheads are often constructed around the wellhead or other hazardous areas to provide protection for escape routes. Frequently, the helideck and the associated hazards are located above the accommodations requiring a rated separation.
FIRE MAINS AND FIRE PUMPS The fire main system must provide a reliable water supply throughout the facility. For oil processing areas, water
is typically used as a means to protect the control equipment, structure, and passive barriers more than as a means of suppressing fires. To this end, it is necessary to have a degree of redundancy built in to the system design. Two independent fire pumps, located in separate spaces with independent sources of power are generally accepted in the industry to meet the requirement of providing a reliable water supply. While fire pumps can be either electric or diesel driven, if both are electric, at least one must be supplied with emergency power. Care should be taken to assure that conductors are routed so that no single event would endanger power for both pumps. When the fire main is supplied with seawater it is necessary to address corrosion and fouling concerns using special piping materials and treatment systems. Options include upgrading the pump materials to nickel aluminum bronze and the piping to copper nickel or fiberglass. While initially expensive, the increased reliability and reduced operating costs pay off over the long run. Routing of the fire mains is carefully planned to avoid hazardous areas that might be subject to explosion, thereby, putting the main at risk. An example of this is seen in Figure 1 where deluge mains are located below deck girders to afford additional protection from above deck fire hazards. In an effort to protect the integrity of the fire main, some in the industry prohibit its connection to any other
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Enquiries: www.wjleigh.co.uk INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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OFFSHORE OIL RIG FIRE PROTECTION system. Others allow the limited use of the fire main for wash down purposes as a means to encourage its maintenance. While there may be different approaches, the goal is the same: a reliable source of water. The fire main is also provided with an international shore connection, a common marine practice. This is a standardized connection through which a vessel can supplement another vessel or platform’s water supply. This shore connection is not unlike a fire department connection that we see on land facilities.
DELUGE SYSTEMS Deluge systems are often used to protect production, off loading, drilling, and wellhead areas. Wellhead area systems often involve overhead spray nozzles along with direct application localized dedicated nozzles for each wellhead. An example of such an arrangement is shown in Figure 2. Foam capabilities are often added in areas where liquid pool fires might occur. Deluge systems are most appropriate where fast-developing fires might occur. These systems utilize open
Figure 3. Rolf Jensen & Associates Inc.
spray nozzles supplied by a piping system that is supplied with seawater through a normally closed deluge valve. Upon alarm the deluge valve is opened and water is supplied to the spray nozzles over the hazard. Seawater systems are typically required as fresh water availability is limited and high water flow rates are needed for high challenge hazards. Corrosion presents a serious concern as the piping is open to the atmosphere and, at times, filled with seawater. This is a particularly corrosive application with typical results using steel piping systems clearly shown in Figure 3. Some facilities opt for copper nickel piping and where allowed, some operators utilize fiberglass piping. To address fire exposure concerns, especially during the early
Enquiries: www.oggionisas.com
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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
stages when water is not yet flowing in the pipe, fiberglass piping is provided with an increased fire resistance.
MONITORS, SPRINKLERS & HOSE STATIONS Monitors, sometimes referred to as water cannons, are also used on facilities in the drilling or well test areas to provide additional protection. These monitors are more awkward to locate than on land facilities due to the congestion on offshore oil rigs. If used, sprinkler systems are fed by fresh water fire pumps and protect the accommodation areas where slow growth fires are more likely. While fresh water storage is limited, it is usually adequate for this relatively light hazard.
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Hose stations, supplied by the fire main, are located throughout the facility so that all areas are reachable with a length of pre-connected hose. Some operators utilize hose reels with a special provision for introducing Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). The foam concentrate is stored in sealed buckets adjacent to each hose reel. The buckets can be pierced with an induction nozzle device that is connected to the hose reel. In the event of a flammable liquid pool fire, the addition of foam can increase the fire fighting effectiveness dramatically. Due to the size and risk involved, the helideck area is often protected with a large fixed AFFF system that employs large storage tanks and a number of well-placed monitors at key locations on the helideck perimeter.
Figure 4. Rolf Jensen & Associates Inc.
FIXED SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS AND EXTINGUISHERS Enclosed oil rig spaces make good candidates for water mist or gaseous extinguishing systems due to their tight construction. Water mist systems following NFPA 750 are emerging as a possible candidate for machinery enclosures and electrical rooms. Typically, if protection is provided, it is a fixed gaseous system utilizing one of the clean agents following NFPA 2001, “Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems.� While few, if any, new halon systems are installed, a number of facilities have existing halon systems Fire extinguishers are provided throughout the facility with the type of extinguisher based on the hazard of the space protected.
DETECTION AND ALARM A vital element of the protection of oil rig facilities is the fire and gas detection and alarm systems. These systems sound an alarm and, if appropriate, initiate a response from the facility fire brigade or even initiate the facility emergency shutdown (ESD) system. The alarm information may be transmitted to land based facilities automatically or via the radio operator, but the main response is from on site staff. The most commonly referenced guidelines for automatic detectors are from the American Petroleum Institute, (API RP 14C, RP
Enquiries: www.halotron-inc.com INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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insight into the latest trends, describing the advantages of the multi-spectrum infrared detectors. The alarm system may also detect toxic gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, which may be produced as part of the process (API RP55). Smoke detectors are usually provided in control rooms, switchgear rooms and other enclosed areas where slow developing fires might occur. Manual fire alarm stations are provided throughout the facility to allow for activating the general fire alarm signal, a signal that is distinctive from any other emergency condition.
FIRE CONTROL PLAN Pic: Rolf Jensen & Associates Inc.
14G and RP 14F). Combustible gas detectors are typically set at 20% and 60% of the lower explosive limit and are located in areas subject to possible leaks and at fresh air inlets to nonclassified areas. Protected areas include the wellhead, well floor, process equipment, degasser, shale shaker, and mud processing areas. These are a vital element of the fire protection program as they allow operators to shut off the fuel supply or take other appropriate action before flammable conditions exist. Flame detectors are often provided in process equipment areas. Some manufacturers have developed detector housings that are more water resistant and are better suited to the hostile and wet marine environment. The article “Flame Detectors” by Dr. Eliot Sizeland in Issue 1 of the International Fire Protection Magazine (See website www.ifpmag.com) provides a clear
The above systems are clearly laid out on a fire control plan that is usually posted in a public area within the accommodations. This plan usually includes a layout of the entire facility identifying: fire rated bulkheads and decks, detection and alarm equipment, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, exit paths, fan controls and dampers.
SUMMARY Oil rig fire protection follows regulations that are mostly prescriptive in nature and coordinate well with marine standards and codes. Typically an authority having jurisdiction grants approval of the drawings and provides periodic audits of the facility. It has long been recognized that while the frequency for fires is relatively low, the potential for large loss in human and financial terms is quite high. There has been an increasing focus on safety management techniques. There is a trend to integrate the fire protection design and personnel training to form a more holistic approach to safety, addressing not only the technical requirements, but also organizational and human performance issues. Figure 4 shows one training facility where a pool fire below a set of stairs is used to help train firefighters in extinguishing techniques. With any system it is not only necessary select the proper equipment, provide design appropriate to the hazard, it is also important to ensure that the installation is tested and maintained and that operators are knowledgeable and trained as to its operation. Information on these emerging approaches can be found in the “Guidance Notes on Risk Assessment Applications for the Marine and Offshore Oil and Gas Industries” published by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). As we continue to push the limits in our exploration for oil, it is appropriate that we keep expanding our capabilities in protecting against the hazards of fire. GARY PIERMATTEI, P.E. is a Senior Consulting Engineer with the San Francisco Office of Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc. He has worked on a variety of marine facilities in Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. These facilities include fire fighting vessels, mobile offshore drilling units and fixed production platforms. Mr. Piermattei holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and is a licensed fire protection engineer and mechanical engineer. He serves on two NFPA committees: “Water Spray Fix Systems For Fire Protection,” (NFPA 15) and “Installation Of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems” (NFPA 16). To learn more about RJA, visit their website at www.rjagroup.com.
Enquiries: www.essexind.com
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Enquiries: info@nelsonfirestop.com
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Enquiries: www.daetwyler.net
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FIRE SAFETY CABLES Pic: Dätwyler (UK) Ltd.
By GRAHAM SMALL, Sales Manager, Dätwyler (UK) Limited abling is a real mine field for jargon; not least of which in relation to the properties of cables in a fire. Users and specifiers should be aware of the correct terminology particularly in specifying cables with low smoke emission, reduced fire propagation and minimal toxicity. Some of the more popular terms include:
C
Halogen-free Flame and Fire Retardant ● ‘Low Smoke, Zero Halogen’ ● ‘Low Smoke and Fume’ ● Fire Resistant ● ●
We should be aware of the characteristics that are important to us as a user of these cables (below):
Any cables used within public buildings should, as a minimum requirement, present no danger to the health of people or integrity of property through acid gas emissions during a fire. They should also be self-extinguishing, that is, not continue to burn once the source of fire is removed and neither should it propagate fire into new areas. Further, while burning – and of course everything will burn given the right conditions – the smoke produced should not impede escape by obscuring emergency lighting and exit signs. Most modern communications cables and those used for emergency systems – such as fire alarm circuits, public address, emergency lighting etc – are
Fire Safety Aspects
available with LSOH-FR sheathing (i.e. Low Smoke, Zero Halogen and Flame Retardant). However, PVC continues to be used because of lower pricing and general ignorance of how PVC behaves in fire conditions. Internal cabling favours PVC instead of polythenes and rubbers because unlike these other materials they will quickly extinguish themselves once the source of fire is removed or extinguished. Unfortunately, the halogens in PVC that exhibit this property produce corrosive byproducts such as hydrochloric acid that is fatal both to humans and sensitive electrical equipment as found in computers for example. Even quite small fires can produce enough acidic fallout to destroy electronic equipment in buildings.
Required Characteristics
No damage to health or property by acid or corrosive gases
Zero halogen, no corrosive gases
Self-extinction of flames when fire source is removed
Flame retardance
No propagation of fire from one location to another
Reduced fire propagation
Sufficient visibility for evacuation of occupants and for fire fighting
Minimum smoke emission INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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Absorption of light (%)
FIRE SAFETY CABLES The table right shows the difference in light absorption between smoky PVC cable (blue curve) and DätwylerLSOHFR cable (orange curve). After 5-7 minutes opaque smoke from an LSOH-FR cable will cause a peak 15% deterioration in light transmission settling to around 5% compared to a 90% deterioration over an extended period for PVC sheathed cable. The majority of standard building cable used in the UK – even where LSOH-FR types are installed – will lose their functionality in a fire very quickly. That means that even if the cable poses no threat or hazard to people or building systems they will cease to provide a circuit quite quickly. Therefore, emergency systems such as public address, lighting, heat and smoke extraction and special lifts for fire-fighters need to be protected to ensure they will continue to function for a period of time during a fire. The fire resisting property of cable is measured in the UK by British Standard BS6387. This takes a 600mm length of
Pic: Dätwyler (UK) Ltd.
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100
PVC Cable NYY
End of fire
80
60
40
20 Halogen free cable pyrofil (N)HXH E30
5
10
15
20
25
30
35 Time (min)
Graphic: Dätwyler (UK) Ltd.
cable and subjects it to a flame of 950°C for 3 hours while carrying 3 amps of current. The specification also emulates fire conditions by subjecting the burning sample to water spray and mechanical shock (categories C, W and Z respectively). A further specification –
Traditionally, fire-resisting cables such as MICC (mineral insulated, copper clad) have been used to provide robust links in fire protection systems. Often described as ‘fire survival’ cables they utilise mineral-based insulation and copper tube technology. Although
Graphic: Dätwyler (UK) Ltd.
BS7629 – combines this fire survivability with low smoke and toxicity emission. Similar tests exist in Europe, such as IEC 60331 that concentrate on fire performance only.
such cables are of a high quality and robust, they are more difficult to install than alternatives. Several years ago, a ‘soft skin’ approach to fire-resistant cables was introduced. Such cables are more akin to those usually installed by electrical contractors. They use thermoplastic materials and fire resisting tapes, rather than copper tube technology. Clearly these cables offer a more flexible design and are easier to install. They do not require such highly skilled technicians to install them since the required installation techniques are little different from those employed on lighting circuits. Both solutions have their merits. The consultant or fire engineer has to weigh up the requirements of each specific installation, balancing the need for effective safety critical circuits (that will facilitate evacuation and property protection) against the available budget. A further issue relates to the way in
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Risk Reduction in case your cables are not fire safety:
Flammadur® cable-coating to protect against – propagation of fire – flame spread – short-term circuit For further information please contact: AIK Flammadur Brandschutz GmbH Otto-Hahn-Strasse 5 D-34123 Kassel, Germany Phone: +49 - 561 5801 255 Fax: +49 - 561 5801 240 www.aik-flammadur.de service.flammadur@aik-industrie.de
Enquiries: www.aik-industrie.de
Enquiries: www.fogtec.com
Brandschutztechnik
bst Multi Cable Transit Modular System
The Professionals in Fire Safety Warrington Fire Research is the UK’s largest independent testing, consultancy and research service aimed at fighting fire and its effects.
• Testing
Whatever the nature or scale of fire safety or related problems, consult Warrington Fire Research.
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FIRAS and CERTIFIRE are divisions of Warrington Fire Research
highest fire rates according to international standards! resistant against shock, pressure and water!
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Warrington Fire Research Centre Ltd., Holmesfield Road, Warrington, UK WA1 2DS. Tel: +44 (0) 1925 655116 Fax: +44 (0) 1925 655419 E-mail address: info@wfrc.co.uk Website address: www.wfrc.co.uk
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Support
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bst Brandschutztechnik Döpfl GesmbH, Albert Schweitzergasse 6c, A-1140 Vienna Fon +43/1/97097-0, Fax +43/1/97097-18 Mail: office@bst.co.at, Net www.bst.co.at
Enquiries: www.bst.co.at INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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FIRE SAFETY CABLES which the standard tests the cable. At present, only power transmission performance is assessed. This needs to be amended to address the data transmission performance. This is all-important for modern addressable fire detection and alarm systems. However, current fire-related cable standards deal only with the combustion of cables and not with the continued functionality of the life and property protection systems they interconnect. UK standards such as BS6387 and BS7629 seek to ensure that cables used in fire detection and alarm circuits (BS5839) and emergency lighting (BS5266) for example meet fire resistance, smoke and toxicity emission’s and propagation criteria. Even the ‘new breed’ of composite ‘EN’ standards, such as EN50200, addresses these issues from a component-based viewpoint. As these standards do not emulate the thermal and dynamic stresses on cable and its supporting infrastructure during fires the assumption that these cables can maintain circuit integrity for extended periods in fire conditions is a dangerous fallacy. Cabling practice for life-safety and property protection circuits too often fall far short of ideal. For example, over-loaded tray, fixing points too far apart, plastic cable ties and plastic dowels far too often compromise the
Pic: Dätwyler (UK) Ltd.
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integrity of the circuit before the cable is threatened. While the importance of selecting fit-for-purpose cables cannot be over-stressed, their performance in fire conditions can be ruined if insufficient attention is paid to their fixing and management. Cables with thermoplastic terminal blocks used for jointing may suffer open or short-circuit failure when the fire heats the terminal block. Cables may lose their support if not effectively fixed with fire-resistant clips or other reliable support means. This is an easily overlooked aspect of installation that may not come to light until the system is called upon to work in an emergency. Moves to regulate installers of such systems via the ECA/BFPSA sponsored training and accreditation scheme, to replace the failed LPS1014 initiative, is a welcome move. German standard DIN4102 part 12 seeks to ensure the continued operation of cable systems in fires up to 1000°C. Similar in approach to our own BS476, the DIN standard subjects a range of electrical cable (from <225V to 0.6/1kV) and cable management methods to an ISO834 time/temperature curve. The furnace reaches 830°C after 30 minutes and 1000°C after 90 minutes. In this way, one gets a measure of the systems integrity at high temperatures; bearing in mind that the steelwork starts to deform above 600°C! We are aware that any DIN standard will not be popular in ‘BS’ dominated markets. However, this performancebased standard is gaining ground in other European markets such as Netherlands, Luxembourg, Poland, Austria and even Greece. It is seems likely that momentum will move CENELEC to adopt this as a mandate for a draft EN proposal in the near future. We concede that this particular standard does not take into account the actions of water (from sprinkler systems) or shock (from falling objects). However, cables meeting this systems-based performance standard will also meet the component-based standards described herein. In the absence of any other suitable standards it remains a valid reference point for those concerned with the fire performance of their building and adds a welcome tier of confidence in essential systems design.
Pic: Dätwyler (UK) Ltd.
A cable-based fire survival test coupled with a demonstrable and repeatable method of assessing the installation hardware would give consultants and fire engineers a more practical benchmark to assess the suitability of systems for their projects. If this can be coupled with a recognised installer accreditation scheme then we can all be better assured that we and our families are better protected in buildings we frequent. AFD systems vendors, too, are considering the effects of fire on the performance of systems. The continual evolution of fire protection system performance will inevitably impact on the performance required of cables and the requirements specified in the relevant cable standards. Specifiers and manufacturers will need to address issues concerned with reliable provision of bandwidth in fire conditions. Indeed, manufacturers are looking to optical fibre to provide the necessary resilience in the next generation of life and property protection systems.
We can never hope to demonstrate in a test what happens in a real fire. Every fire is different; every building is different and every installation is different. We in the industry are dealing with issues of confidence. Anything that moves the focus away from component-specific arguments to a consideration of the place of cable in the greater scheme of things must be encouraged. Suppliers of cable systems must seek to provide solutions that meet the needs of the fire engineer and the requirements of the building under consideration. As every installation is unique then the industry should be in the business of providing solutions not confusion.
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Get red-e for cabinet protection
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general description: Representing the future in cabinet protection the 19” redetec is a self contained automatic fire extinguishing system, which can be used in many industry sectors. Designed to be housed in 19” racking systems for the protection of delicate electronic equipment, the redetec is fully capable of detecting a fire using single or coincidence detection and responding by extinguishing the fire in less than 10 seconds of detection.
Signals can also be sent to other equipment via VFCC or RS232 to inform of the units status and to key personnel for immediate investigation. By siting the 19” redetec at the top of each equipment rack the individual piece of equipment is being protected right at the heart of the potential risk, therefore more accurately pinpointing the fire at a very early stage and eliminating the need to discharge large costly amounts of fire suppressant.
tailored fire products is a division of: tailored fire & security ltd, corby house, 38a chorley new road, bolton, lancashire BL1 4AP, united kingdom. t: +44 1204 385022 f: +44 1204 380474 w: www.tfs-ltd.com e: info@redetec.co.uk
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external connections for coverage to additional areas LCD remote programming and status unit
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MED0241
ION BOAR AT
S PREVENT OS
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D
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ION BOAR AT
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FIRE RATED AND SMOKE OUTLET DUCTWORK Typical installation of fire rated and smoke outlet ductwork. Pic by kind permission of ASFP member Fire Protection Ltd.
BS 5588 Part 9 paragraph 7.5.1 acknowledges that steel ductwork “if satisfactorily constructed and supported” will be able to provide a high degree of resistance to the passage of smoke and decomposition products. Rapid heat transfer through the steel however, regardless of its thickness, prevents the ductwork achieving any degree of fire resistance without supplementary insulation. A satisfactorily constructed and supported steel duct is one proven by test and/or assessment to BS 476: Part 24. Why then do we see so many “fire rated ductwork” installations installed that are deficient?
By Ron Smith Introduction In 1987 the British Standards Institution introduced Part 24 to the BS 476 series of fire tests. This was a method for determination of the fire resistance of ventilation ducts. The standard has an annex which gives guidance on the fire performance criteria required for kitchen extract and smoke outlet applications, which differ from the requirements for ventilation ducts. It is therefore vitally important, when assessing the suitability of a proposed system of fire rated ductwork, that the performance of the proposed system matches the requirements of the application for which it is required. For example, a smoke outlet duct is required to maintain a minimum 75% of the original cross section when tested to BS 476: Part 24 (ISO 6944). Car parks and non-domestic kitchens are required to have separate and independent extraction systems, because of the polluted nature of the extracted air. As BS 5588: Part 9 recommends that fire dampers should not be installed in extraction ductwork serving car parks
or kitchens, any duct or ductwork penetrating fire resisting barriers in such installations should be fire resisting. Kitchen extraction ductwork presents a particular hazard in that combustible deposits, such as grease, are likely to accumulate on the internal surfaces of the ductwork. A fire in an adjacent compartment through which the ductwork passes could therefore initiate a fire within the ductwork, which in the absence of fire dampers might prejudice the safety of the kitchen occupants. For this reason BS 476: Part 24 imposes an additional requirement for kitchen extract ductwork. The internal surface of the ductwork within the furnace, i.e. when tested as a type A duct against external fire, must meet the insulation criteria. It is also essential that this particular type of ductwork is provided with access for cleaning at distances not exceeding 3m.
Fire Resistance Test on Ducts As indicated above, standard fire resistance tests on ventilation ducts are carried out in accordance with the requirements of BS 476: Part 24. The standard specifies a method of test and criteria for the determination of the fire resistance of both horizontal and vertical INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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Typical installation of fire rated and smoke outlet ductwork. Pic by kind permission of ASFP member Fire Protection Ltd.
ventilation ducts under standardised fire conditions. The purpose of the test is to measure the ability of a representative sample of ductwork, or ductwork assembly, to resist the spread of fire from one compartment to another. The test is applicable to vertical and horizontal ducts, with or without branches, and takes into account joints, air supply and exhaust openings as well as suspension devices and penetration seals. The tests are conducted without dampers. The specimen(s) used in the test must be designed and constructed to be representative of how the ductwork would be constructed on site. Two ducts are tested, one with fire from the outside only (type A) and one with fire on the inside (type B). Both ducts may be tested in either the horizontal or vertical plane. The test specimen(s) is subjected to fire on all four sides using the standard temperature/time curve detailed in BS 476: Part 20. The tested duct assembly is judged against the three performance criteria used for fire resistant barriers – i.e. stability, insulation and integrity. The requirements for these criteria are as given below. Stability: failure shall be deemed to have occurred in duct type A within the furnace, and in duct types A and B outside the furnace, when the duct collapses in such a manner that the duct no longer fulfils its intended function.
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As previously stated a smoke outlet duct must also retain a minimum of 75% of its internal cross sectional area throughout the test. Insulation: failure is deemed to have occurred when the temperature rise above initial ambient air temperature on the unexposed surface of the duct, outside the furnace, exceeds either, (i) 140°C as an average value, or (ii) 180°C as a maximum value As stated before, for kitchen extract ducts (type A), these temperature rise limits also apply to the inside surface of the duct within the furnace.
Integrity failure shall also be deemed to have occurred when the cotton pad defined in ISO 834 is ignited, or when sustained flaming for at least 10 seconds appears on the unexposed surface of the test specimen outside the furnace. It is recognised in the UK that the results of the above test(s) for horizontal ductwork, types A and B, are applicable to horizontal ducts only. Similarly, a test result obtained for vertical ductwork, types A and B, is applicable to vertical ducts only, without a horizontal branch. However, if a vertical test on horizontal ductwork type A, with a branch, has been successful, the ductwork may include a horizontal branch without further testing. These specific points appear to be misunderstood when “evidence” of successful fire tests has been presented to the specifier or main contractor.
Support Systems – Horizontal Ducts Horizontal ductwork is normally supported along its length by a system of steel framework, attached to the building structure with fire resisting fixings. This framework generally consists of vertical hangers connected to a horizontal member, or members, with the hangers being fixed to the building structure above the ductwork. It is possible to use unprotected steel hangers, provided the calculated stresses do not exceed the values given below.
ALLOWABLE TENSILE STRESS Up to 60 minutes Tensile stress in all vertically oriented components
15 N/mm2
Integrity: failure shall be deemed to have occurred if any cracks, holes or other openings, outside the furnace, allow hot gases or flames to pass through the duct walls. Integrity failure is based upon the requirements of BS 475: Part 20. These are, (i) when a 6mm diameter gap gauge can penetrate through a gap and can be moved in that gap for a distance of at least 150mm (ii) when a 25mm diameter gap gauge can penetrate through a gap
Over 60 minutes Over 120 minutes Up to 120 minutes Up to 240 minutes 10 N/mm2
6 N/mm2
The stress should be calculated from the supported load only and if hanger is a threaded rod the cross sectional area should be based upon the root diameter of the rod.
Penetration Seals It is well recognised that it is of prime importance to maintain fire resistance of a supporting construction at the point where the ductwork passes through the construction. In this respect, the current UK test method
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considers the seal around the ductwork, where it passes through the surrounding construction (wall or floor), to be an integral part of the duct construction. The penetration seal must, therefore, be constructed of the same material and installed in the same manner as that tested. The dimension of the “gap” between the inside edge of the supporting construction and the perimeter of the ductwork must also be the same as that tested. This is where, on site, a problems occur in that the “seal” often consists of mineral wool (or even worse – glass wool) being “stuffed” around the ductwork to provide the required seal. This is not acceptable as a fire resistant seal and should not be allowed. If a mineral wool seal has been tested in conjunction with the specific ductwork being installed, the density, resin content, etc, of the mineral wool must be clearly defined. Reputable manufacturers’ and installers of fire rated ductwork will use the sealant used in the fire test, or will have obtained an assessment from a fire test laboratory for the seal they use.
Great Northern Development, Manchester.
Pic: Senior Hargreaves
Burning Questions, Brilliant Solutions
Dampers Where ductwork passes through a compartment wall or floor it must be ensured that the fire separation of the wall or floor is maintained. This can be achieved in one of two ways. ● ●
The fitting of a penetration seal around fire rated ductwork. The fitting of a fire damper in the plane of the wall or floor when nonfire rated ductwork passes through the separating element. It is important to ensure that the damper and seal used must be installed to a system substantiated by test or assessment. The damper MUST be mounted in the wall or floor and MUST be supported/restrained independently of the ductwork.
On many sites this requirement has been ignored and dampers have been fitted away from the separating element, have not been independently supported and have not been properly sealed. In a fire situation there would be total failure of the system and yet this practice is allowed to continue
Pilkington Pyrostop™ Pilkington Pyrodur ™ For more than twenty years, fire-resistant glazings from the Pilkington Group have been used in buildings. Our project experience provides today’s architects with almost limitless design opportunities for all glazed interior structures, facades and roof constructions that must fulfil fire-safety functions. A unique selection of glass types and systems, tested and approved with Pilkington Pyrostop™ and Pilkington Pyrodur™, allows individual solutions for constructions with the most varied requirements. Make use of this planning confidence and freedom of design for transparent fire protection! For further information please contact: Pilkington plc., Processing and Merchanting Prescot Road St. Helens, Merseyside WA10 3TT Phone: 01744-692000 Fax: 01744-613049 Internet: www.pilkington.com
Enquiries: brandschutz@pilkington.de INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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News International London. Pic: Senior Hargreaves
unheeded in the UK by those responsible for the construction of the building(s).
Other Items of Importance (i) General purpose ventilation/air conditioning ductwork cannot be utilised as, or converted into, a fire rated ductwork system unless the construction/materials of the whole system are proven by test or assessment in accordance with the requirements of BS 476: Part 24.
(ii) In the case of an existing metal duct, where the application of a fire insulation cladding material is being considered in order to provide fire resistance, it is imperative that the construction standard of the metal ductwork is checked for conformity with the appropriate fire test report. Similarly, the construction of newly erected metal ductwork should be subjected to the same scrutiny. Metal gauge, spacing and size of flanges and stiffeners, bolting centres, use of steel/aluminium rivets, sealants, spacing of hanger supports and fixing method to the soffit should all be checked for compliance with the fire tested construction. It is not sufficient to rely on a DW 144 (142) construction classification for fitness for purpose in this respect. (iii) The element of building construction to which the support systems are attached must have a fire resistance of at least that specified for the fire rated ductwork and should be able to support the ductwork in a fire situation.
Enquiries: info@cafcointl.com
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(iv) The fire resistance of fire rated ductwork should be expressed as three time period components. These, as previously described, are stability, integrity and insulation. Where only a single time period is expressed it shall be deemed to apply to all three periods. (v) Fire rated ductwork tested to BS 476: Part 24 (ventilation ductwork test), which meets criteria of stability, integrity and insulation, may not be suitable for kitchen extract application or smoke extract application unless proven by additional test criteria.
Further information regarding fire rated ductwork is contained in the Association for Specialist Fire Protection publication “Fire rated and smoke outlet ductwork – an industry guide to design and installation”. Copies can be obtained from the Secretariat at Association House, 235, Ash Road, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU12 4DD. Telephone: 01252 321322, Fax: 01252 333901, e-mail: info@asfp.org.uk
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Enquiries: bavariad@intouch.com
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Enquiries: www.skum.com
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FOAM AND FOAM SYSTEMS
FOR PROTECTING STORAGE TANKS By Phil Bayliss, Firemain Engineering Ltd With the ever increasing financial pressures bearing down on the Worldwide Petroleum industry, we see the effects of the requirement to cut costs by reducing manning levels, increasing automation and in the case of storage tanks: building larger, more cost effective tanks to hold more fuel. It is now common for “new build” floating roof tanks to be in excess of 100 metres in diameter, whereas twenty-five years ago a 60-metre diameter tank was considered large. he contents of storage tanks in the Oil industry is predominantly Hydrocarbon based. Fire officers have long seen the benefits of using foam as the major means of fighting fires in all forms of tanks; Fixed Roof, Floating Roof, Vertical or Horizontal. There are many ways in which we can utilise fixed and portable methods of foam application. Recently, we have seen the rise of a greater variety of process chemicals resistant to conventional foams being stored in tank farms, such as Alcohols and Polar Solvents. (Not only are they used in Petrochemical and Pharmaceutical processes but in
T
Oil Refineries as OCTANE BOOSTERS for petrol). The main response to this change has been for many Refinery Fire Brigades to standardize on “AR” (Alcohol Resistant) type foams which can be used on hydrocarbon and Polar Solvent Chemicals. The cost increase to achieve this often puts pressure on the Fire Protection Budget, as “AR” foams can be 3-4 times the cost of their predecessors! Foam concentrate manufacturers are currently responding to this commercial pressure by offering the next generation of foam concentrates known in the trade as “1 x 3” which loosely translates as:
FLAMMABLE HYDROCARBON CHEMICALS = 1% FOAM : 99% WATER FLAMMABLE POLAR SOLVENT CHEMICALS = 3% FOAM : 97% WATER
The days of 6% foam concentrate seem numbered. Why store 6 times the volume, when you can use 1% foam? The logic seems simple, but does the proportioning equipment match? Of course many Fire Brigades, both industrial and municipal, have only recently taken the step to use “3 x 3” versions of AR-AFFF’s and AR-FFFP’s. With the exit of the 3M corporation from the foam concentrate market it would seem that there are a lot of big decisions to be made about which foam concentrate type to be used when formulating a Foam Fire Fighting Strategy. Whilst the Foam Concentrate manufacturers may wish to promote a 1% foam concentrate, it will be another question to decide about the level of accuracy tolerance on 1% Foam Proportioning devices. The margin for error on a 6% foam proportioner of + or – 10% can be acceptable, but what guarantees would an equipment manufacturer offer on a 1% device on a cold day with a drum of viscous AR-AFFF to proportion accurately? It is clear that equipment manufacturers will have to match their equipment to the performance that will be demanded by the Foam Concentrate manufacturers. In reality though, most of the large Foam INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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FOAM AND FOAM SYSTEMS
FOR PROTECTING STORAGE TANKS Concentrate manufacturers are also manufacturers of equipment and consequently will perform their in-house testing on matching the performance of their own brand of concentrate to that of their own brand of proportioning and delivery equipment. As if all this was not enough to consider when deciding on which foam to specify there appears the topical issue of foam and the environment. The proliferation of discussion in this whole arena seemed to have escalated with the 3M decision to pull out of foam production in May 2000. This event however only highlighted one particular chemical in a blend of many from one manufacturers recipe, namely “PFOS”. It seemed more associated to the levels of this chemical being present in the production of the foam rather than the fire-fighting environment. The bio-accumulation issue was surely related to constant exposure to PFOS during the manufacturing process, not when a fire fighter is spraying 97% water and 3% foam on to a blazing oil fire in a Refinery! As a consequence of mighty U.S Corporation’s actions, there seemed to be a higher degree of debate and even confusion within the market place about how environmentally friendly foam concentrate actually is. In the UK, the level of questions about this subject prompted the British Fire Protection Systems Association (BFPSA) to release a statement, by way of a press release, to inform the users and specifiers of foam concentrate of their continued confidence in the use of foam as a primary fire fighting agent. This endorsement alone is one that most users of foam must have welcomed. When assessing the total fire strategy of protecting storage tanks a compre-
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hensive pre-incident plan is required. How far this plan goes to prepare for a worst case scenario will dictate how efficient the petrochemical facility will deal with and recover from the emergency and return to normal. The options available to include in a strategy are many and will vary dependant upon circumstance, geographical locality or plain budget. Assuming the facility to be designed in accordance to a Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code such as NFPA 30, and that suitable tank maintenance procedures are followed, the strategy can call upon guidelines for protection contained with documents such as NFPA 11 or API 19 which cover aspects of cooling spray rates for the mitigation of radiated heat from one tank on fire to its close neighbour, right through to calculating the quantity of foam concentrate to be stored and the type of foam delivery equipment to be used. The options can be summarized in the following categories ● ● ● ● ●
DETECTION & ALARM SYSTEMS DETECTION & FIXED SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS FIXED FOAM POURER/BASE INJECTION SYSTEMS FIXED AND MOBILE FOAM MONITORS EXTERNAL BRIGADE ASSISTANCE
Equally, one financial budget may dictate that, early detection and suppression of fires in the incipient stage, may be preferable to investing in large pumps, hoses and portable monitors for fighting fires once they become large incidents. The adverse publicity and consequential loss of product or production surrounding major tank fires should also have a great effect on deciding which way the desirable route should be. The availability of foams and application equipment has never been better. High quality concentrates and Foam Systems are available worldwide with well-documented success. There are many ways to deliver foam for fire extinguishment. These include:
FLOATING ROOF TANKS
●
●
In considering the above, an assessment of the site facilities is also required. ● ●
● ● ● ●
AVAILABLE TRAINED FIRE FIGHTERS? AVAILABLE WATER SUPPLIES, PUMP CAPACITY AND FIREMAIN INFRASTRUCTURE DISTANCE FROM EXTERNAL FIRE BRIGADE BACKUP FREQUENCY OF INCIDENTS (such as lightning strikes) LEVEL OF FIXED FOAM SYSTEM PROTECTION FINANCIAL BUDGET
One can easily see that strategies will differ from say, a remote equatorial petrol tank farm, with poor water supplies and no trained fire fighters; to a Refinery with its own brigade, situated close to an urban municipal brigade in a cold climate.
●
Detection and Foam Suppression Stand Alone Units. Usually Nitrogen powered with telemetry back to the control room. Small foam vessels are located on the roof to protect the Rimseal Area. The advantage of the combined detection system is its speed of response. Over the Top Pourers provide low expansion foam to the Rimseal foam dam area. Can be fed from a Central Foam Proportioning System or from a Mobile Foam Tender. Can be linked to Linear Heat Detection or can be manual.
Large Foam Monitors i.e. 20,000 LPM with throws in excess of 100 metres, requiring large hose feeds, foam tanker deployment and water supplies. Used for fully involved Floating Roof Tank fires.
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Enquiries: www.saval.nl
Enquiries: company@matremaskin.com INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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CONE ROOF TANKS Rimseal Fire
Over-The-Top foam generator
Spill on Roof Fire
Foamconcentrate Premix
Foam pump
Water
Full Surface Fire
waterpump
●
●
●
●
Pontoon Explosion
Over the Top Pourers, protecting the full fuel surface and incorporating a vapour seal between the tank and supply pipework. Can be subject to explosion damage. Base Foam Injection Systems are situated remotely from the explosion area. Rely on forcing low expansion foam through the base of the tank up to the fuel surface. Semi Subsurface Base Foam Injection Systems incorporate a High Back Pressure Generator and an internal floating delivery hose to apply foam to the surface of tanks containing foam destructive chemicals such as Methanol or Acetone. A gentle foam application results in faster extinguishment. A plunging foam application is a less efficient method of delivery. Mobile Equipment such as Monitor Trailers and Refinery Vehicles with Monitors, as with Floating Roof Tanks require a critical deployment factor, involving a sufficient quantity of foam concentrate and water in the right appli-
Foamtank
cation rate or deployment will usually not succeed. Using Monitors invariably means using a large quantity of foam concentrate.
BUNDED AREAS MEDIUM EXPANSION FOAM GENERATOR
PREMIX
Bund Fire
PRESSURE PROPORTIONER. PP(W)
Bunds or dikes can represent the potential for large surface areas containing spilled fuel. That is what they are designed to do, to contain the full volume of a tank or multiple tanks.
Superintensive Foam Flooding System A revolution in Tank Fire Extinguishment • Fully Autonomous • Simplicity eliminates need for specialists
• Low investment capital • Very low running costs
500 Sqm Tank Fire extinguished in 25 seconds
The Ideal Pump for High Pressure Water Mist Systems Nessie® pumps from Danfoss provide the water pressure required for high pressure water mist applications due to their compact design and homogeneous spraying generation. Pump advantages: • Low-weight and small-sized • High efficiency • Direct PTO/engine connection • Stainless steel • Homogeneous spray generation • No maintenance
Beside pumps we offer specialized ready-to-use custom-made Power-Packs as well as Valves and Jets.
For further information please contact:
Enquiries: www.ifex.hu
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Danfoss A/S DK-6430 Nordborg, Denmark Tel.: +45 7488 3181 • Fax: +45 7445 3831
E-mail: waterhydraulics@danfoss.com Enquiries: waterhydraulics@danfoss.com
3055G1
TFEX Engineering Co Edvi Illés u 37 Budapest H-1121 Hungary Tel: +361 249 2112 Fax: +361 249 2114 E-mail: szocs@ifex.hu Website: www.ifex.hu
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SEMI-SUBSURFACE FOAM INJECTION DEVICE - HSSS
CHECK VALVE CONNECTION FIRE BRIGADE
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FOAM SEALING MEMBRANE SM
HIGH BACK PRESSURE FOAM GENERATOR - PFG
UNFOLDING HOSE
FOAM SEALING MEMBRANE - SM
FOAM
CONNECTION FIRE BRIGADE
EXPANDER
This area is not as well defined within international standards for fire fighting as with tanks, BS5306 : Section 6.1, does propose the parameters for foam protection. In reality the variety of methods utilised for bunds can vary from a small mobile foam trolley being manually connected to a local hydrant to a complete foam pourer system. By far the most practical way to fill a bund with foam is to use Medium Expansion pourers; the expanded foam fills and contains the area with an economical use of foam concentrate.
As with many Fire Protection strategies, Storage Tank Fire Suppression and Extinguishment will benefit from early detection, fast response, accurate delivery of the fire fighting medium and a planned response to the escalation of small incidents involving back up measures for major fully involved tank fires. There is often a debate about whether to use fixed or portable equipment. The simple answer is; you have to have both! One might see fighting fires as spectacular and courageous, but cost for cost, fixed systems are about the same price, can fight fires in more than one place at a time and have a shorter response time than portable systems. If your fixed system has “gone up” in an incident then the back up provided by portable equip-
ment is worth a million dollars! As with many Fire Protection strategies, Storage Tank Fire Suppression and Extinguishment will benefit from early detection, fast response, accurate delivery of the fire fighting medium and a planned response to the escalation of small incidents involving back up measures for major fully involved tank fires.
The merits of foam as an extinguishing media for fires in storage areas will continue for many years, new foam and equipment technology will be introduced. The low frequency of large tank fires is proof that foam systems work, it’s unfortunate that we don’t hear of the countless times that small fires have been stopped before developing into big ones.
In case of fire better safe than sorry! We offer to the fire professional the complete range of high performance foaming agents, e.g.
MOUSSOL-APS Alcohol resistant universal AFFF foam liquids
STHAMEX-AFFF Aqueous film forming foam liquids
STHAMEX Synthetic foam liquids
STHAMEX-class-A Foam liquids for class A and B
FLUOR-FOAMOUSSE Fluoroprotein foam liquids
FOAMOUSSE-FFFP Film forming fluoroprotein foam liquids
FOAMOUSSE Protein foam liquids Ask for more information!
fights
Dr.STHAMER HAMBURG Liebigstrasse 5 · D-22113 Hamburg · Germany Telefon +49 40 73 61 68-0 · Telefax +49 40 73 61 68-60 E-Mail: info@sthamer.com · http://sthamer.com
Enquiries: www.sthamer.com INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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Enquiries: www.firemain.com
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FSSA news FSSA to Celebrate 20th Anniversary The Fire Suppression Systems Association will celebrates its 20th anniversary February 6-10, 2002 in Marco Island, Fla. Themed “Celebrating our Past, Shaping our Future,” the group’s annual meeting is the leading forum for leadership training, technical information and networking opportunities in the special hazards field. Bob Moawad, chairman and CEO of the Edge Learning Institute, will be the meeting’s keynote speaker. Moawad is a tireless teacher, coach, leader, speaker, author, innovator, benefactor, visionary and consultant. He has presented to nearly three million people worldwide and will discuss how attendees can effectively shape their futures to compete in an ever-changing business environment. The meeting also features a presentation on essence marketing by Charles Stuart. Nationally known for his work in strategic marketing concepts, Stuart consults with dozens of companies throughout North America, helping
Visitors will receive updates on the latest changes in standards and regulations impacting the special hazards business around the world. FSSA will host open forums where participants can discuss topics important to their businesses.
them achieve dramatically increased profits, long-term customer relationships and better marketing and sales teams. Meeting visitors will also receive updates on the latest changes in standards and regulations impacting the special hazards business around the world. FSSA will host open forums where participants can discuss topics important to their businesses. Time allowed for this session has doubled this year in response to member requests. Finally, there are a number of concurrent workshops from which to choose on topics including NICET certification, personnel issues, technical issues and management. The Hilton Marco Island Resort will host the event. Complete details and registration information are available online at www.fssa.net.
Technical Training Seminar Due to the events of September 11, FSSA rescheduled its September 14 Technical Training Seminar for November 2-3, 2001. The Technical Training Seminar is an excellent opportunity for both field and office personnel to receive training in a number of areas. Topics to be covered at the seminar include carbon dioxide systems, NFPA standards 2001 and 72, inspection reports and licensing, clean agent applications, Halon and the Voluntary Code of Practice, NICET certification, cylinder safety, customer relations and FSSA’s new Pipe Design Handbook. Again, complete details and registration information can be found online at www.fssa.net.
Clean Agent Training Videos Available FSSA is now selling a four-tape video training series on clean agent suppression systems. The tapes, produced by Protection Knowledge Concepts, Inc.,
FSSA Piping Handbook Available FSSA’s Technical Committee has published the group’s Pipe Design Handbook for Use with Special Hazards Fire Suppression Systems. The handbook features new design guidelines for use with all types of engineered special hazards systems where the Power Piping Code is specified. “This is the most comprehensive piping handbook in the industry for use with special hazards fire suppression systems,” says FSSA Technical Director Charles Willms, P.E. “It provides guidance for conditions not specified in NFPA standards.” The handbook is currently available in electronic form only. To order and download a copy, visit FSSA’s web site at www.fssa.net.
are designed for anyone who designs, specifies, inspects, buys, approves or maintains clean agent systems. Unit one covers the basics of special hazards fire suppression. It includes information on general building versus special hazards fire protection and answers some basic questions about clean agent systems. What are they? Why are they used? Where are they used? The second tape addresses standards and regulations. It covers Halon issue, NFPA standards for clean agents, the EPA SNAP list, NOAEL and LOAEL and alternative clean agents. The third tape covers alternative agents to Halon 1301. It addresses carbon dioxide, INERGEN, FM-200 and FE-13 systems. The fourth tape covers maintenance and training issues. It addresses fire detection and alarm systems, basic maintenance of clean agent systems and personnel training. This series is a must for anyone involved with clean agent systems. The cost for FSSA members is $299 per set. For non-members, the cost is $399 per set. To order your set of training videos, visit the FSSA web site at www.fssa.net or contact FSSA headquarters at 410-931-8100. INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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Enquiries: info@chemguard.com
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In an increasing number of fires, plastic construction materials play a major factor in the loss. Peter Battrick examines the fire hazards associated with plastic building materials and the fire tests used to evaluate these raditional building materials are increasingly being ousted by plastic replacements. But, unknown to many, these plastics are highly combustible and the major cause of numerous devastating fire losses. In many of these incidents, the fire exposure from the building construction was greater than the fire hazard associated with the occupancy. It was apparent that the hazard of using plastic materials in building construction was not always identified prior to the loss, or the potential severity quantified, according to a study by industrial and commercial property insurer FM Global. For several decades now, plastic materials have been replacing brick, wood, steel, concrete and glass in industrial and commercial constructions. Rigid foam polyurethane was first used to provide insulation beneath floor slabs, replacing cork, nearly 50 years ago. There are many benefits in using plastic components as elements of the building envelope, in building services and in fitting out the
Are combustible plastics lurking in the construction of your facility? By PETER BATTRICK, Staff Engineer, Fire and Hazards Group, FM Global
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building for production: ●
Plastics have a high strength-toweight ratio
●
do not corrode
●
are water resistant
●
are easy to clean and maintain
●
have high thermal and electrical insulating values
●
are easy to fabricate and install.
A major disadvantage, however, is that plastic materials are combustible and, in some forms, can present a severe fire hazard. The level of fire hazard it represents is a function of its heat release rate. As the heat release rate increases, so does the fire hazard. The heat release rate of plastic materials, measured in kW/m2, can be three to five times greater than a similar arrangement of ordinary combustibles like wood.
THE REAL COST OF PLASTICS During a recent 10-year period spanning 1988-97, seventy large fire losses from several countries were reported to FM Global in which plastics had been used in the construction and were a significant factor in the loss. The total cost to industry was over £275m. Inadequate sprinkler protection was an important factor in the size of each of these 70 losses. Either the needed protection was lacking; or there was a shut-valve, or the flow and pressure of the water supply could not meet the sprinkler system design requirements. In 66% of these losses, sprinkler protection was lacking. The average loss for incidents where sprinklers were lacking was £4.4m, compared to £474,000 in incidents where sprinklers were effective. During this period, 60% of the large losses involving plastic, involved INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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Figure 1: Factory Mutual Research Building Corner Test
Are combustible plastics lurking in the construction of your facility? exposed foam plastic insulation, and insulated metal panels. In 24 of these losses, polyurethane was involved; 14 losses involved extruded and expanded polystyrene; four involved polyisocyanurate, and in the remaining 10, the type of foam plastic was not identified. The metal/mineral and food industries saw the largest number of losses (see Table 2). While this industry typically has facilities that contain few combustibles, there is often a hidden fire exposure from the plastic insulation in the walls or roofs of buildings. The largest number (37%) of these losses where the probable cause was identified were caused by hot work like welding, cutting and use of open flames. The second highest frequency (25%) was electrical causes. Insulated metal panels for refrigerated storage are often used in the food industry. Even with sprinkler protection, a fire may develop faster than the sprinklers can operate, or the fire could spread into the panel, where the metal liner will shield it from the water. Fires involving plastics used for production process equipment were analysed in another 10-year study for the same period. Eighty-nine fires,
resulting in over £110m in losses, involved plastic ducts/hoods, tanks, and scrubbers.
FULL-SCALE FIRE TESTS Two factors have contributed to these severe losses: inadequate fire testing and sprinkler protection. Thirty years of research and testing had made FM Global a strong advocate for the use of automatic sprinkler protection. Most of the development work on sprinklers has been to protect a building from fire that starts within the combustibles in the occupancy. However, from the loss experience the question needs to be asked will these sprinkler systems protect the building if the fire starts in the plastic construction? And while each country has its own traditional fire test to determine the reaction of a material to fire (for example, BS 476 in the UK, DIN 4102 in Germany, NF P92-501 in France, ASTM E84 in the USA), FM Global and a number of other approvals boards have found that the results from these tests are not always indicative of how a plastic material behaves in a real fire.
Table 1: Fires by type of plastic construction (1988–97) Type of construction*
Number of losses
Foam/exposed/sprayed-on coating
33
Insulated metal panel
19
GRP panels
11
Plastic rooflights
5
Plastic vapour barrier in concealed space
1
Plastic sheet covering walls and equipment
1
Total
70
*These do not include plastics that are part of insulated steel deck roof construction
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The limitations of the small-scale traditional fire test were recognised in the early 1970s by an FM Global affiliate, Factory Mutual Research, which developed a large-scale test, the corner test. The objective of the corner test is similar to the room test in LPC standard 1181. This is to ensure a plastic wall or ceiling material does significantly contribute to fire propagation within a building. However no research has been conducted to correlate the test results from these two test methods. FM Global’s corner test evaluates exposed foam plastic materials, rigid plastic liners, and insulated metal panels on walls, as well as ceilings. A plastic material passes the test if a selfpropagating fire does not reach the limits of the structure within 15 minutes. In this test, 340kg of wood is arranged as a 1.5m-high crib, in the corner of the structure, 305mm from each wall – the equivalent of having a 1.5m-high stack of idle wood pallets in the corner of a factory. Temperatures produced by this fire exposure can exceed 550°C at the corner of the walls and ceiling, with flames attacking the ceiling. FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets permit a material that passes the test to be used in a building up to 9.1m high. For buildings with higher ceilings, the plastic is tested in a similar test rig but the height is increased to 15.2m. Many corner fire tests have been conducted at Factory Mutual Research on materials such as glass reinforced polyester sheeting, exposed spray applied polyurethane, polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, and polyurethane insulated metal sandwich panels. This testing showed that sprinklers designed
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Table 2: Fire losses by probable cause Probable cause
No. of losses
Hot work
19
Electrical
13
Hot surface
6
Exposure
product that satisfies the small-scale flammability test criteria does not have to be subjected to full-scale testing. The Fire Propagation Apparatus essentially consists of two parts: the bottom portion is designed to recreate large-scale fire environments, through the use of radiant heaters; and a collection hood on top captures combustion products for sample analysis. Measurements in the apparatus are made to determine:
Smoking
2
Gas burner flame
1
Miscellaneous spark
2
Spontaneous ignition
1
●
critical heat flux for ignition
Incendiarism
2
●
thermal response parameter
Friction
2
●
chemical and convective heats of combustion
●
effective heat of gasification.
Unknown/no data
18
Total
70
for the occupancy are adequate, but there are exceptions if the product has not been approved by Factory Mutual Research or constructed to FM Global Loss prevention standards. In such cases it is necessary to install additional protection such as cover the wall and ceiling with a thermal barrier. In one of the most recent research programmes a series of eight 7.6m high corner tests were conducted on polystyrene insulated metal sandwich panels. Prior to this test series the recommendation was to cover these panels with a thermal barrier. The testing results showed that by either increasing the sprinkler system performance, or providing an additional row of sprinklers at the top of the wall, adequate protection can be provided without the need for a thermal barrier.
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SMALL-SCALE TESTING Due, in part, to the expense of largescale fire testing, scientists at Factory Mutual Research developed a reliable small-scale test for all plastic materials. They developed a test apparatus for evaluating the flammability of materials, the Factory Mutual Research 50kW Scale Fire Propagation Apparatus (FPA) after many years of research. Initially used purely for research purposes, it has recently been used in Factory Mutual Research’s product approvals programme for testing thermoset plastics. The small-scale test results have been correlated with those from the fullscale corner test. Thus a new material or
It’s a big fire and you need to move foam concentrate NOW, with a reliable, portable foam pump. Edwards FC and TSD pumps deliver foam concentrate at those crucial times when you need to protect your oil refinery, petrochemical, aircraft or other critical property at rates between 5 and 500 gpm. These self-priming pumps are either electric or engine driven. They can handle any concentrate viscosity and are tough enough to run dry when necessary. So when you're looking for portable mutual aid and fail-safe performance, demand the best. Demand Edwards!
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Are combustible plastics lurking in the construction of your facility? This equipment has become an important tool for future research and the development of property loss prevention standards, particularly for construction materials. The FPA also has been adopted by the American Society for Testing Materials as their standard ASTM E 2058, and also by the National Fire Protection Association as their NFPA 287.
CONCLUSION It is easy to the laud the many advantages of plastic building components but when weighing their cost benefits
Table 3: Plastic process equipment number of losses by industry group Industry group
Ducts/hoods
Tanks
Scrubbers
Metal/mineral
29
22
2
Chemical
5
1
–
Rubber
3
4
–
Food
3
1
1
Pulp and paper
–
–
1
Other
13
2
2
Total
53
30
6
it is important to remember their potential fire hazard. Ask if there is a non-combustible alternative before choosing a plastic material. A reliable indication of how a plastic material will behave in a real fire can only be done in a large-scale test or, for a thermoset plastic, in the Factory Mutual Research Flammability Apparatus. Ask for materials that have been Approved by a recognized product certification organisation like Factory Mutual Research when specifying new construction materials, These
Enquiries: infghisa@tin.it
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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
materials will have undergone stringent performance testing. Finally, be alert when evaluating the fire risk of existing buildings. There may be more plastics hidden in the construction than you think and the hazard may not be adequately protected.
Further information on FM Global data sheets is available from www.fmglobal.com/store
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CONTROL LOGIC Spark detector
Sparks fly at high speed. They travel at a hundred kilometres per hour along the ducts of the dust collection system and reach the silo in less than three seconds
designed for dust collection systems to protect storage silos from the risk of fire.
The CONTROL LOGIC SPARK DETECTOR is faster than the sparks themselves. It detects them with its highly sensitive infrared sensor, intercepts and extinguishes them in a flash. It needs no periodic inspection. The CONTROL LOGIC system is designed for “total supervision”. It verifies that sparks have been extinguished, gives prompt warning of any malfunction and, if needed, cuts off the duct and stops the fan.
ISO 9001
20137 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - Italy Tel.: + 39 02 5410 0818 - Fax + 39 02 5410 0764 E-mail: controllogic@controllogic.it - Web: www.controllogic.it
BETTER
TO KNOW
CONTROL LOGIC s.r.l. IT BEFORE
Eye is faster than nose. In the event of live fire the IR FLAME DETECTOR responds immediately
CONTROL LOGIC
IR FLAME DETECTOR IR FLAME DETECTOR RIV-601/FA EXPLOSIONPROOF ENCLOSURE
the fastest and most effective fire alarm device for industrial applications
For industrial applications indoors or outdoors where is a risk of explosion and where the explosionproof protection is required. One detector can monitor a vast area and responds immediately to the fire, yet of small size.
Also for RS485 two-wire serial line
20137 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - Italy Tel.: + 39 02 5410 0818 - Fax + 39 02 5410 0764 E-mail: controllogic@controllogic.it - Web: www.controllogic.it Enquiries: controllogic@controllogic.it
IR FLAME DETECTOR RIV-601/F WATERTIGHT IP 65 ENCLOSURE
For industrial applications indoors or outdoors where fire can spread out rapidly due to the presence of highly inflammable materials, and where vast premises need an optical detector with a great sensitivity and large field of view.
ISO 9001
CONTROL LOGIC s.r.l.
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C
O
M
P
A
N
Y
Nelson Firesto A history of turning seconds into hours, when time means everything
N
elson Firestop is a company uniquely equipped to specify firestopping solutions for each and every penetration throughout the entire building. It is a hard-earned skill that deals with very high stakes. The fact is, a wrongly chosen firestopping product may, to the untrained eye, appear sufficient on most counts. It may even comply with building and fire codes. However, just one incorrect choice, or the right choice improperly installed, can spell the difference between minor damage and total disaster. To deal effectively with the complexity of firestop selection, the best and simplest path is to consult Nelson Firestop Products.
Decades of experience, dedicated to firestopping Firestopping has been the sole focus at Nelson for nearly four decades. Since 1965, Nelson Firestop Products have been used to offer protection against fire, smoke, water and explosions in
military and commercial marine vessels, oil-rigs, production platforms, and more recently, in commercial and industrial buildings. All the while, Nelson has invested heavily in research, development and testing. In 1966, Nelson generated the first test to be
recognized by an independent laboratory for through-penetration firestop system for Nelson’s MCTTM (MultiCable Transit) System.
Helping to increase fire safety throughout the world Nelson Firestop Products offer the right class of protection for virtually any penetration anywhere in the world. A very extensive product line makes this possible. Perhaps even more importantly, Nelson offers the dedicated service and in-depth knowledge to recommend systems, meet and exceed local requirements, and oversee installation wherever the assignment takes us. If you want to specify the best firestop solution for any given application in the U.S. or overseas, Nelson is the company for a quick, accurate response. Products you can depend on. People you can depend on. Nelson makes it easy.
A wide range of firestop products that do more than stop fire Nelson offers the industry’s largest and most diverse firestop product line. Partly because there are so many types of penetrations to seal, and also because firestopping is a challenge that involves more than just fire. Any properly designed and constructed fire barrier – whether it’s a wall or a floor – must prevent the migration of not just fire, but heat, smoke, water, gases and toxic fumes as well. Similarly, firestop seals installed in these barriers are required to perform the same functions. When a fire breaks out in an occupied building it is smoke, not fire, which poses the bigger threat to its inhabitants. People who perish in fires generally die from smoke inhalation, not burns.
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R
O
F
I
L
E
top Products Nelson’s flexibility provides vapor-tight protection Rigid firestop products can, in some cases, provide adequate protection. However, if the seal is installed in a building subject to a great deal of movement, it may lose its bond and will not afford any protection against the migration of smoke or toxic fumes. That is why the Nelson firestop family contains many flexible formulations. “Soft” firestop material maintains a more reliable seal as buildings shift, or as wall and floor assemblies constructed of dissimilar materials expand at different rates when exposed to the heat of fire.
Solutions for single and multiple penetrations Nelson Firestop Products accommodate single penetrations, such as pipe and multiple penetrations typically created for power and low-voltage cable. Because today’s power and communications needs are subject to great variation and frequent change, Nelson offers innovative designs like Nelson’s MultiCable Transit (MCTTM) and Multi-Plug System (MPSTM) which can be easily customized to any installation, and subsequently modified when necessary.
The same Nelson products that were created for the complex power and electronic needs of naval command centres have proven to be ideal for rapidly evolving technologies of commercial and industrial work environments.
Solving the problem of water Since water is often the means of stopping fire, it might not seem a potential firestopping problem, but it is. Watersoluble firestop seals installed in areas subject to high moisture or frequent spills can dissolve and become totally ineffective. Nelson Firestop Products are made from water-insoluble compounds. Once installed, Nelson products provide long-lasting firestop protection when exposed to mist, spray, spills or even frequent hosedown.
Reducing the hidden costs of installation The cost of a firestop system is not just what you pay for the products, it also includes the less obvious expense of labor for installation. To keep labor to a minimum, Nelson products are designed for fast, easy installation. You do not need personnel with special skills or tools. You can even forego the extra steps and material associated with damming.
Regardless of what Nelson Firestop Products you use, installation is simple and straightforward, for a lower total installed cost.
The right combination of products for a great number of variables Building movement and the presence of water are two of many considerations critical to making the right firestop decision. One must also consider the dimensional changes that occur when any substance is placed in or near fire. Walls and floors constructed of concrete will react differently when exposed to heat than those constructed of metal studs and drywall. Some penetrating items will burn; others will be totally non-combustible, but will transfer heat freely. Still, other penetrations will burn at a slower rate, but not support combustion by themselves. All of these factors and more must be considered when engineering a firestop system. That’s why our product line is so extensive and why people come to Nelson as much for our advice, as for our firestop products. We are the company that puts it all together, which means less effort for you, and more peace of mind. For more information, please contact: Nelson Firestop Products P.O. Box 726 Tulsa OK 74101 USA Tel: +1 918 627 5530 Fax: +1 918 627 2941 E-mail: info@nelsonfirestop.com Website: www.nelsonfirestop.com INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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The RSA FORUM Automatic Fire Sprinklers as we know them were first developed in the UK by Major Stewart Harrison around 1864. Like so many brilliant inventions it took another country, in this case the USA, to recognise the full potential of the invention and develop a market for them. Since then the USA has gone on to lead the world in the development of fire sprinkler technology and it comes as no surprise that the majority of fire sprinklers are now manufactured over there. Conversely our British Industry has declined to the point that there is now no British manufacturer that actually makes fire sprinklers in the UK. To my mind it is somewhat of a pity that the UK has fallen so far behind in the use of yet another British invention and one of the reasons for creating the RSA’s was to reverse this situation. It is therefore pleasing to see that interest in fire sprinklers has increased remarkably since we started in 1998 – not only in the life safety sector – but we have a long way to go yet!
WALES Earlier this year the RSA visited Neath & Port Talbot Council to bring them up to speed with residential sprinklers. Neath are very pro-active in the field of fire safety and were the first Council in the UK to adopt smoke alarms in all their social housing. Although smoke alarms have been effective, the Council can see that they cannot save the disabled, the old and the young – the vulnerable in our society who make up the majority of fire casualties. They are therefore keen to be the first in the UK
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to go to the next stage in fire protection and install fire sprinklers in all their property. The Welsh Assembly, through its Pattern Book, governs the design of all social housing in Wales. Initially Neath Council applied for a variation to the Pattern Book for a pilot scheme. This led to a request from the Welsh Assembly for the RSA to make a presentation to their Housing Committee to explain the concept of life safety fire sprinklers. Sir George Pigot and Roy Young duly made a presentation in mid-June, which was very well received, and were told unofficially that it was likely that a policy of residential sprinklers would be adopted for all Council-owned social housing in Wales. Since then many other Welsh Councils and the Welsh Fire Brigades have put their weight behind the campaign and we are hopeful that the Welsh Assembly will act soon.
being killed or horribly maimed by fire, should we really be counting the cost? How can you explain to someone that the reason their children are dead is because those responsible failed to put in a safety device because they “thought it was too expensive”. Secondly, we know from statistics that certain types of property and certain sections of the population are at increased risk from fire. So where the vulnerable are housed in HMOs, especially those of more than 3 floors in height, they have an unacceptably high risk of being killed or injured in a fire. All of these factors should show us that it is these properties that we should protect first. Once these properties have been protected a longer-term phased schedule can be set up to provide sprinkler protection to properties at lesser risk, which in time will mean all properties will be protected.
SCOTLAND
ENGLAND
Many will have seen that Michael Matheson MSP has prepared a Bill for Scotland’s Parliament, which would make the fitting of Residential Sprinklers mandatory in all housing in Scotland – both new and old. The RSA warmly congratulates Mr Matheson on his initiative, especially the fact that the Bill targets the elderly, disabled and HMOs. Scotland unfortunately has the highest fire casualty rates in the UK, particularly in the tenements that are a feature of the Glasgow area. Although Scotland has about 10% of the UK population it has something like 17% of the UK fire deaths. Statistics show that HMOs (such as the Glasgow tenements) account for nearly 35% of all fire deaths and 40% of all fire injuries and that the majority of those casualties are the elderly or disabled – the vulnerable in our society. There is therefore an urgent need to provide better fire protection in Scotland. Something fire sprinklers are specially designed to do. There are those who say that Scotland cannot afford the cost of installing fire sprinklers in all residential properties and it is worth looking at this statement for a moment. Firstly, if we can prevent people
So what progress is being made in England? So far the RSA is only aware of a few hundred residential sprinkler installations, although it is believed that there is in fact many more as yet unreported. However, against a housing stock of about 20million this is hardly impressive – but it is still early days. . . . Most of the English Fire Brigades and many local Councils are now specifying residential sprinklers, especially in higher risk premises. Even builders and architects are expressing interest and beginning to look at residential sprinklers not just as a cost, but also as a saving. This is especially true of Housing Associations, which have been quick to see the benefits to both themselves and their tenants. Interest is such that the House of Commons all-party Fire Safety Group is holding a seminar in the House on December 12th at which the RSA have been invited to speak. We also hope to perform a demonstration of the effectiveness of fire sprinklers in the forecourt of the House of Commons. We have no doubts that MPs will be impressed by what they see, but if it does go wrong – perhaps we can finish off what Guy Fawkes began all those years ago. . . .
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Enquiries: info@homesafesprinklers.com
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www.FM-200.com FM-200 is a patented product of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation. FM-200 is a registered trademark of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation.
1-765-497-6206 (USA), 44-151-357-8122 (Europe)
Enquiries: www.fm-200.com Enquiry Card No. 31
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Ten minutes ago, this company suffered a devastating fire. Three months ago, they extinguished it. Three months ago, they chose to install an FM-200 fire suppression system. The devastation was limited to the power supply in a server. Before there was any visible smoke, in fact, before anyone knew that there was a fire at all, the FM-200 suppression system immediately detected and extinguished the fire. The employees were slightly startled, completely unhurt, and back to work within minutes. Fire grows exponentially, so seconds count in protecting your people and equipment. FM-200 systems are designed to achieve extinguishing concentrations in 10 seconds or less; performance which is verified by independent product listings and approvals. That’s critical to preventing long-term interruption to services or business productivity. You only get one chance to choose the right fire suppression system. Make it the right choice. Choose the world’s most trusted name in clean agent fire suppression. Choose FM-200.
®
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Enquiries: dleonard@reliablesprinkler.com
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The Development of Residential Fire Sprinklers By Sir George Pigot of the Residential Sprinkler Association
Pic: Residential Sprinkler Association
FIRE SPRINKLERS were invented in the UK by Major Harrison in 1864, but like so many of the brilliant things invented in this country, they were left to be developed abroad by Henry Parmelee in the USA. he Insurance Companies soon recognized their advantages, and within a short time began to insist on the installation of fire sprinkler systems in areas of high risk. Thus began a long association between Insurers and the Sprinkler Industry. As a result fire sprinklers were developed primarily to protect property and their life saving abilities were largely ignored until comparatively recently. The record of fire sprinklers is unsurpassed in the safety field. In New Zealand, where all fires have had to be reported for over 100 years, records show that sprinklers have been effective in 99.7% of cases. There has never been a multiple death in a fully sprinklered building anywhere in the world. Indeed in the very few cases where people have died despite there being an
T
operational fire sprinkler system, it has been because of an explosion or similar event. Fire sprinklers have been continuously developed throughout their history and the modern residential fire sprinkler is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment. Its development started as a result of a report prepared in the United States by the Presidential Commission on Fire Prevention & Control entitled America Burning. This report, published in 1973, highlighted the scale of the fire problem in the United States and in particular drew attention to the fact that over 75% of all fire deaths and injuries occurred in the home (a statistic which is equally true here in the UK). They recommended the development of a residential fire sprinkler system as a possible solution
and this prompted the NFPA to set about developing a modification of its Standard, NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, to produce a reliable but inexpensive residential system. At its first meeting the NFPA established a philosophy based on the following 5 guiding principles:-
1
COST is of major importance. They reasoned that a system that was slightly less sophisticated, but that could be installed at a substantially lower cost than a full NPFA 13 system, was necessary if wide-spread acceptance of residential systems was to be achieved.
2 LIFE SAFETY is the primary goal of a residential fire sprinkler system, with property protection a secondary goal.
3
SYSTEM DESIGN should be such that a fire could be controlled for sufficient time to enable people to escape, i.e. it should operate for at least 10 minutes whilst sounding an alarm. INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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The Development of Residential Fire Sprinklers
4
PIPING arrangements, components, and hangers must be compatible with residential construction techniques.
5
STRATEGIC COVERAGE allowing the omission of sprinklers in areas of low historical incidence of fire deaths (such as roof spaces and the like) was permissible, thus saving considerable cost. Considerable experimental work was carried out in the 1970’s and early 1980’s to establish the most effective spray patterns, droplet sizes and flow rates for residential sprinkler heads. It had long been recognised that a faster response to a fire would mean that the sprinkler system would be dealing with a smaller fire. A smaller fire is not only easier to control and extinguish, it requires considerably less water to do so. Therefore a major part of this work was to also develop a faster acting sprinkler and modern residential heads operate at least five times faster than their industrial counterparts. It was also established that wall wetting would be of vital importance to prevent “flashover”. Flashover is the point at which the temperature in the room has risen to the point that anything not already alight will spontaneously ignite. This not only uses up all the remaining oxygen, it also raises the temperature in the room well past a survivable level. Flashover in an unprotected modern living room usually occurs within 2-3 minutes of the first flames being visible.
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Residential sprinklers can be supplied in almost any colour or finish and there are now heads which are concealed behind a temperature sensitive plate, and which are therefore almost invisible and virtually immune to tampering or vandalism. In the 15-20 years since these experiments were conducted sprinkler manufacturers have continued to develop residential sprinkler heads, which are ever more economical in their use of water to achieve the same result, and which are also more aesthetically pleasing. Indeed residential sprinklers can be supplied in almost any colour or finish and there are now heads which are concealed behind a temperature sensitive plate, and which are therefore almost invisible and virtually immune to tampering or vandalism. So effective are residential sprinklers that over the past 25 years many areas
Pic: Residential Sprinkler Association
of the USA have introduced laws requiring their installation. In general all high-rise building must be sprinklered and it is very unusual to find places such as hotels that are not fully protected by sprinklers. The US Government is fully supportive of fire sprinklers and insists that, where Government employees need to stay away from home overnight they must stay in sprinklered hotels or they will not have their expenses reimbursed. So successful has this been that the Marriott hotel chain amongst others has now sprinkler protected all it hotels worldwide to ensure they can cater for US Government officials traveling abroad. Several parts of the USA have even gone further and now require sprinklers in ALL properties both residential and industrial. Perhaps the best known is in Scottsdale, Arizona, which has now had this requirement for over 10 years. During this time there have been no deaths in sprinklered homes, both injuries and property damage has been reduced by 80% and environmental damaged reduced by an estimated 95%. Vancouver in western Canada adopted a similar policy in the early 1990s and their recent interim report shows much the same picture. In the mid-1980s the US Fire Administration joined forces with the NFPA and others to form Operation Life Safety with the object of further promoting residential fire safety. OLS has collected some 600 voluntary reports on residential sprinkler activations since 1983 and in none of these was there a fatality. Residential fire sprinklers really do save lives.
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Enquiries: fax +44(0) 1306 711107
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The Development of Residential Fire Sprinklers Not only do sprinkler systems provide a very high level of protection there are a number of areas in which their cost of installation can be directly mitigated. ●
●
Building trade-offs. The requirements for and specifications of fire doors and fire retardant materials can be reduced. Also the length and number of escape routes can be reduced and provision for access by fire engines lessened allowing higher housing densities to be employed. Arson. Arson now accounts for about 50% of all dwelling fires and this proportion has increased steadily
Pic: Residential Sprinkler Association
over the past decade or more. Although fire sprinklers cannot prevent arson as such, they will minimise the damage caused and eliminate the risk to life.
A good residential sprinkler is hard to find.
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Vandalism. Vandalism is a growing problem and is manifested both in terms of direct damage done as well as potential damage when safety equipment is made inoperative.
When you’re looking for a dependable residential sprinkler, it’s easy to overlook Viking’s new Mirage Concealed Residential Sprinkler. Because not only does the Mirage Concealed have the industry’s smallest coverplate – a mere 23/4” (70mm) – but it’s also available in any colour to match any decor. So it provides plenty of protection without a lot of detection. Even though they’re hard to see, Mirage Concealed sprinklers aren’t hard to install. Their 1/2” (12.7)mm adjustable covers mean you don’t need to cut a perfect drop to get a flush fit. And their friction fit covers are designed for push-on, pull-off installation ease. Despite their good looks, Mirage Concealed sprinklers don’t overlook safety. With 18’x18’ (5.48m sq) coverage, competitive flows, and cover drop and sprinkler fuse temperatures of 135° and 140°F (60ºc) respectively, they give your customers what they want most in a fire protection system: peace of mind. So if you’re looking for a residential sprinkler that gives you nearly invisible protection, don’t settle for anything less than Viking’s new Mirage Concealed Residential Sprinkler. It could be the best residential fire protection you’ve never seen. For details, call your local Viking outlet or visit us at www.vikingcorp.com
UK: +44-(0)1427-875999
Enquiries: www.vikingcorp.com
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Insurance. Although there is no general policy insurance companies will give discounts for sprinklered properties, which is typically around 15% of the building and contents premium. Rates. The RSA would argue that the fitting of sprinklers reduces that property’s liability for local emergency services and as such should be recognised and encouraged by a rebate of Rates.
There are other less obvious benefits for fire sprinklers, which are usually only appreciated after a fire. ●
Consequential Loss and Inconvenience. Buildings that sustain a fire are usually uninhabitable afterwards and most are demolished. On the other hand a room protected by a fire sprinkler can usually be back in use within a few hours and the rest of the building is often unaffected.
●
Loss of Income and Cost of Rehousing. A direct result of this is that landlords and mortgage companies do not experience a reduction in income and there are no costs of re-housing. Where property is demolished and rebuilt the landlord will be without income for many months at a time of major expenditure.
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Demand on the Fire Service. Where fire sprinklers are fitted Fire Brigades need employ fewer resources in fighting the fire and know that their men will be less likely to suffer injury.
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National Health Service. By reducing injuries to both victims and fire fighters the cost to the National Health will be considerably reduced. In 1997 18,600 people required an average of 4 days in-patient treatment and considerable convalescence afterwards. Which leads to:
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Social Services. Fire injuries are probably the most difficult to treat and result in the longest time off work – if indeed a return is possible. Although external burns are the most obvious injuries it is lung damage from hot smoke and fumes which is often the most incapacitating injury and which may well prevent a return to work ever being possible.
It is a sobering thought that in 1997 72,000 people in the UK thought that their home wouldn’t catch fire – but each and every one of them had to call the Fire Brigade. In total 730 people lost their lives and another 18,600 were injured due to fire. The time has come for the UK to recognize the significant contribution Fire Sprinklers can make to life safety and begin to catch up with the rest of the world. How much longer do we need to wait before we start to eliminate the terrible toll fire wreaks in our society?
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Alarmcom. Effective in detecting fires and lights a fire under your sales. The ultra-modern Synova ÂŽ fire warning system from Alarmcom reassures your customers and livens up their sales. Because Alarmcom is one of the leading specialists in integrated system s o l u t i o n s f o r C C T V i n s t a l l a t i o n s , f i re a l a r m s a n d e ff e c t i v e i n t r u s i o n p ro t e c t i o n . W h i c h , i n combination with the comprehensive service and fast-as-lightning deliveries, saves time, expense and nerves all around. Alarmcom. For systematic security and fire safety.
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Detectors Raise the Alarm for Special Hazards THE FIRST STEP in extinguishing a fire is detecting fire. The
By Mitch Lebovic, CAE
faster the detection, the faster the fire can be put out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with less damage. Special hazards applications use four types of detectors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; smoke, heat, flame and gas detectors.
SMOKE DETECTION The most commonly used detectors are smoke detectors. These range from conventional spot detectors to stateof-the-art air sampling detectors that are up to 1,000 times more sensitive than their conventional counterparts. The two technologies used in smoke detection are photoelectric and ionization. Ionization smoke detectors operate using a small radioactive element inside an open smoke chamber. The radioactive element ionizes the air inside of the chamber, causing ions to gravitate toward oppositely charged plates at each end of the chamber. When a quantity of smoke enters the chamber, the conductive properties of the air change, reducing the number of ions that are able to reach the charged plates. When the supervisory current reaches a certain level, the detector goes into alarm. Ionization detectors work particularly well in situations where fast flaming fires might develop. Their photoelectric counterparts are better at detecting
smoldering fires. Photoelectric detectors use light rather than radioactive material to detect smoke. An infrared light source on one end of the chamber travels along a narrow channel. As long as there is no smoke inside the chamber to diffuse the light, a photocell at the other end of another channel, situated at an angle from the light path, will
remain dark. When enough smoke enters the chamber, the infrared light, which is then diffused, scatters and travels down the alternate channel until it reaches the photocell at the other end. The detector will go into alarm when enough of the light is made to strike the sensor. Some smoke detectors combine both photoelectric and ionization technology. Some feature thermal detection technology as well. All of these detectors are available in conventional and addressable models.
Pic: Fire Suppression Systems Association INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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Detectors Raise the Alarm for Special Hazards “Conventional detectors are not automatically adjustable,” says George Krabbe, chairman of the board of Automatic Fire Controls in South Holland, Ill. “Their sensitivity is set at a certain level and stays there. Addressable detectors can be adjusted by the control panel to limit false alarms.” “Another advantage of addressable detectors is that the control panel can tell you which detector went into alarm,” he continues. “With conventional detectors, you’ll know which zone goes into alarm, but you can’t tell which detector until you physically look at them. With addressable detectors, the panel will tell you it was number 25, which is located in the computer room sub-floor. There is a lot more information which allows the operator to respond quickly and intelligently.” Laser spot detectors provide more sensitive smoke detection. “The laser detectors work on the same principle as the photoelectric devices,” says Bill MacDonald, director of marketing for Notifier, Inc. in Northford, Conn. “They are light sensitive, but the light source is a laser diode rather than a light emitting diode. Because the light source is much more intense, the receiver is a lot more sensitive.” MacDonald continues to say that laser detectors work in conjunction with very sophisticated algorithms to prevent false alarms. These highly sensitive detectors can tell the difference between dust and smoke. For applications that require detecting smoke at its earliest stage, air sampling is the answer. Instead of passively detecting smoke or heat in their immediate area, air-sampling detectors actively pull room air through and detect the presence of particles that are created in the very early stages of combustion. “The big advantage of air
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Pic: Fire Suppression Systems Association
sampling is that the unit has a fan,” says Krabbe. “It doesn’t need a thermal lift to bring the smoke to the detector. Air sampling draws in air constantly, samples it and returns it.” Air sampling detectors can detect particles of combustion at levels of obscuration as low as .003 percent per foot, which is up to 1,000 times more sensitive than conventional smoke detectors. However, they lack the pinpoint annunciation of an addressable spot detector. They operate by using a series of pipes up to 100 feet long. The pipes have holes in them at predetermined intervals. The fan draws air in through the holes and back to the detector. Some detectors can tell the control panel, which pipe the smoke, comes from, but not which hole in the pipe. “The extreme sensitivity of laser air sampling units allows them to overcome dilution caused by high air flow,” adds MacDonald. “They are typically used where critical equipment is involved like telecommunications or computer tech-
nology. This equipment is more susceptible to smoke than normal equipment. Smoke is also much harder to detect because of the high airflow generated to cool the equipment. That’s when very early warning is important.” Krabbe suggests that this extreme sensitivity can save not only time, but also money when it comes to extinguishing a fire. “We don’t often use air sampling detection to release the agent,” he says. “Because these detectors are so sensitive, they’ll detect smoke at a point where turning off a switch or using a portable extinguisher can solve the problem. If that’s the case, you don’t want to dump $30,000 worth of agent.” Air sampling is also a more expensive technology. “A laser air sampling detector will cost between $3,000 and $4,000 whereas spot detectors will cost between $20 and $60,” says Krabbe. “But each air sampling unit can take the place of 20 to 30 spot detectors because of the piping network.”
THERMAL DETECTION Thermal or heat detectors monitor the temperature of the air surrounding the unit. Fixed temperature detectors signal the controller when the temperature reaches a preset level. Rate-of-rise detectors look for rapid increases in temperature and report them to the controlling unit. Both methods are sometimes combined in one unit. Linear heat detection is also used in many industrial applications. A linear heat detector is a wire made up of two
“The big advantage of air sampling is that the unit has a fan. It doesn’t need a thermal lift to bring the smoke to the detector. Air sampling draws in air constantly, samples it and returns it.”
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Detectors Raise the Alarm for Special Hazards conductors, each coated with a heat sensitive material. When the temperature reaches the level at which the insulation was designed to melt, the conductors push through the insulation and close the circuit. “Linear heat detectors also have the ability to tell you how many feet down the wire the overheat has taken place,” says MacDonald. “The big applications for this type of detection are high rack storage, conveyor systems and cable protection.”
FLAME DETECTION Industries involved in manufacturing, processing, storing or transportation of flammable material are constantly in need of reliable and fast response fire detection systems. Optical flame detectors are powerful tools in this case, due to their ability of remote detection of a small fire from a long distance. Flame detectors use optical sensors working at specific spectral ranges that record incoming radiation at selected wavelengths. They use either ultraviolet sensors, infrared sensors or a combination of both to achieve this purpose. “Optical detection can be limited
because it’s line of sight,” warns Krabbe. “You have to make sure you’re in an area where you’re not going to have a smoldering type of fire with a lot of smoke. That will obscure the fire from the detector. You also don’t want anything to stick to the lens of the detector. You must make sure that the cone of vision from the detector is not obscured in any way.”
GAS DETECTION Gas detectors can also be integrated into a special hazards suppression system. These detectors continuously monitor hazardous and toxic gases or vapors in low parts per million concentrations. They are highly sensitive, so low ppm readings can be measured with confidence. They provide a fast response for real time readings.
THE RIGHT CHOICE The right choice in detection technology depends largely upon the hazard to be protected. “You need to be sure you’re putting in the right detector for the application,” says MacDonald. “You need to be sensitive to potential false alarm sources. For example, you wouldn’t want to put an ionization detector near cooking, and you don’t want traditional smoke detectors in places where there is a lot of dust.” “Consider the environment,” agrees Krabbe. “You won’t want smoke detectors in harsh environments. If the environment is cold, a build-up of ice and moisture will cause the detector to go into alarm. In that situation, you’d probably want a thermal detector.”
“Consider the environment. You won’t want smoke detectors in harsh environments. If the environment is cold, a build-up of ice and moisture will cause the detector to go into alarm. In that situation, you’d probably want a thermal detector.” 52
INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
Pic: Fire Suppression Systems Association
Krabbe continues to say that the necessary response time is a factor in choosing the proper detection solution. “If detection can wait a minute or two, you can go with thermal detectors,” he says. “But if it needs to be immediate, you need to go to the other extreme. If I had a clean room worth millions of dollars where a few specks of combustion products could put me out of business, then I’d certainly invest in sensitive smoke detection.”
PROPER INSTALLATION The installation of detection units will vary by application. However, proper installation is always guided by appropriate standards. In the United States, the National Fire Protection Association’s Standard 72, the National Fire Alarm Code, should be used for guidance. In Europe, ISO 7240 covers fire detection and alarm systems. “Make sure to check for other requirements from local authorities having jurisdiction or insurance companies,” says Krabbe. “They may have some specific requirements on how detectors are sequenced, how they are grouped or how they are selected. That is important along with the regular standards.”
Mitch Lebovic, CAE is director of communications for the Fire Suppression Systems Association. You can learn more about FSSA and its programs online at www.fssa.net.
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A new dimension in fire protection
AutroSafe SelfVerify the only fire alarm system that checks itself!
Time consuming inspections are a thing of the past Up to now, fire alarm systems have depended on manual inspection and testing, something which has resulted in a variety of problems. For example, the detectors may have been out of reach; service engineers may not have been allowed access to certain areas; or the detectors may not have been installed in accordance with the diagram…. AutroSafe SelfVerify solves all these maintenance problems. Time-consuming, difficult and costly manual inspections are no longer necessary. The system does the job for you.
Response and sensitivity test AutroSafe SelfVerify not only tests whether a detector is capable of giving alarm, it also verifies on a daily basis the sensitivity of each individual detector using a calibrated signal. The system ensures that each detector will always respond at the correct alarm level. Optimal round-the-clock detection This new technology represents the safest and most reliable fire alarm system ever developed – a system that ensures optimal detection 24 hours a day!
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P R O D U C T
P R O F I L E storey dwellings, designed with openplan staircases, have met with planning approval due to the incorporation of this unique fire engineered solution.
WIRSBO/ HOMESAFE
In Cowie, Stirling, Homesafe installed the pioneering system into a local authority house, to demonstrate the unique properties of the freshwater system. The council then arranged for a live fire test, which took place earlier this year, amply he Wirsbo Fire Protection demonstrating its reliability. System, Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most AN AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE domestic fire protection The system was showtechnologically advanced system has finally reached UK homes, due to cased at the Ideal Home domestic sprinkler system, has collaboration between internationally renowned Show in Glasgow last been devised for new-build manufacturers Wirsbo and independent British month, where visitors to the applications. Until now, the main exhibition house were costs associated with such sysinnovators Homesafe. invited to find the unobtrutems have been prohibitive for sive sprinkler heads. suppliers and customers alike. Wherever the Wirsbo Fire Protection Unlike commercial specifiers, the average for under-floor and radiator heating System is placed, householders may be householder has rarely been able to justisystems. However, it is ideal for the confident that each installed solution fy the purchase in terms of reduced new-build sprinkler market, where ease has been hydraulically engineered and insurance premiums. Cost-effective, fire of installation is of prime concern to the designed. The number of sprinkler heads engineered solutions can now be house builder in terms of time, price required varies according to the specific achieved to meet current building regulaand minimal disruption. size and layout of the property. tions. Wirsbo PEX is already used extensively The system also incorporates the The Wirsbo Fire Protection System, in domestic sprinkler systems in the US. patented Homesafe Alarm. This sounds with integrated audible alarm, is Conforming to NFPA13D, it is the prior to, but without delaying, sprinkler designed to contain a fire in the room benchmark for worldwide domestic activation, ensuring occupants are alertof origin for up to 10 minutes to allow sprinkler systems with full WRAS ed to a fire hazard as soon as possible. time for the Fire Service to arrive. approval. The UL listed Wirsbo tubing High quality approved components from Key to the system is the incorporation also carries a 25 year guarantee. Espa UK and Tyco also ensure system of Wirsboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PEX pipe, a revolutionary There are environmental and legislareliability. cross-linked polyethylene tubing with tive reasons for taking notice of the sysHomesafe founder Bill Butler is talking thermal memory. Irrefutably reliable tem, too. Current sprinkler systems may to academic institutions and professional (Wirsbo PEX is the most thoroughly rely on segregated water which stagtrade bodies to promote best practice tested plastic piping in the world), the nates over time and is potentially harmwithin the industry. Hand in hand with flexible tubing is easy to install. ful. This integrated system utilises his endeavours for the Wirsbo Fire ProPlumbers already favour its properties environmentally-conscious flow-through tection System to do well is his determitechnology, dependent upon a revolunation that the industry gets it right. tionary multi-port sprinkler fitting. This To date, there have been no fireensures the water feeding the sprinkler related deaths worldwide in any heads is constantly of drinking quality, dwelling with working sprinklers putting it leagues ahead of the compeinstalled. tition and in line with water supply regFor further information on any aspect ulations due to be enforced in 2002. of the Wirsbo Fire Protection System, Several UK projects are already underplease contact Homesafe on telephone way. In Lancaster, developers Barnfield number ++44 (0)1706 831007, fax Construction have commissioned Home++44 (0)1706 222315, or email us at safe to install the integrated fire defence info@homesafesprinklers.com. system in 18 new-build homes. The four
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CHANGES FOR BUILDING HARDWARE
Testing and Certification for Building Hardware Characterization Tests to satisfy the Essential Requirements of the CPD he aim of the CPD is to set up a Harmonised European market for construction products. In order for this to be achieved, it has been necessary to develop a unique system of testing and classifying products for their performance in everyday use as well as in fire situations. The testing and approval system is intended to satisfy the wider European need, to remove technical barriers to trade within Europe. Under the auspices of the CPD, the European Commission issued mandates to initiate the development of European Technical Specifications detailing the minimum essential Health & Safety requirements for products. In many cases, the mandatory requirements for complying with the requirements are some time off, however, for Building Hardware, we are within months of seeing the first products on the market with all of the requirements met and with products appropriately marked. For Building Hardware, the importance of the essential requirements is only really highlighted when the items are used in connection with a fire scenario, be it a fire resisting doorset or an escape door in the case of a fire. For example, is it really that critical that the door closer works adequately on a non-fire resisting doorset? The
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New test methods and product standards have been developed to European legislation and products will be required to meet the designated minimum level of performance in order to carry the CE mark. This article addresses these issues with respect to building hardware. CHRIS MILES gives an overview of the product characterisation tests required to satisfy the essential requirements of the Construction Products Directive (CPD), and looks at aspects of attestation of conformity with respect to CE marking of building hardware. main purpose of the non-fire doorset is generally for provision of privacy and that is not a consideration under any essential requirement. However, once an item of building hardware is used in conjunction with a fire resisting doorset the importance of the doorset as a whole, including the item of hardware, is raised significantly. The result is that the second essential requirement under the CPD, Safety in the Case of Fire, needs to be addressed. This is also true of items of hardware that are fitted to doorsets used as final exit doors for the purpose of escape in the event of a fire as these serve an essential function of safety in the case of a fire. All this means that the requirements written within the relevant product standards will have to be complied with in order for the product to be placed on the European market should the item of hardware require to be used on a fire door or a fire escape door. The process for attesting conformity
of the products is becoming clearer to the industry as the relevant bodies begin discussions with the trade associations and individual manufacturers. It is clear that greater emphasis is placed on the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;productâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as a consequence of the development of the Product Standards. It is from the requirements within the product standards, which have interpreted the mandates in an Annex (Annex Z), that the need for the testing is determined. They will vary from product group to product group but are generally similar for most critical elements of Building Hardware such as hinges, closers, exit devices etc. The type of tests required on each product will also be dictated by the intended end use for that product. Within the new, harmonised, system, there was a need to provide identical test methods across the whole of Europe and move away from different National test methods. In doing so, there are inevitably some changes to
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test regimes previously used in the UK. Many of the major changes in the testing regime for fire resistance have already been well documented in advance of the change from BS 476: Part 20, to BS EN 1363-1. It is now accepted that conducting European fire resistance tests will provide a basis for mutual acceptance of test results from all laboratories across Europe. This has to be a big advantage to any manufacturer that currently sells across National boundaries within Europe. However, the need to provide for commonality between test methods has resulted in some changes, which, in some countries, may have a detrimental effect on the performance of some products. One area of particular concern for building hardware is timber-based doorsets. The changes in the test methods are likely to affect timber materials and products, which can be exploited by a higher furnace pressure, more so than other products. This is particularly true when elements of metal are placed in the susceptible areas such as the leaf or frame edge.
PRODUCT STANDARDS A completely new aspect of the European system is the existence of “harmonised” product standards. In order to provide a consistent approach to the attestation of conformity for the hundreds of products sold within Europe, product standards were developed which give the characteristics and requirements for each product type. These harmonised product standards will also, in their Annex Z, give the level of attestation for a particular use. As a result of the numerous variations within each product standard, space does not allow each requirement for each type of product to be listed here. However, typical and common requirements taken from the documents are listed as examples. Particular scenarios for mechanical testing of Building Hardware, in addition to any fire test requirements are: ● Certain design requirements ● Corrosion resistance
Pic: Warrington Fire Research Group
The above tests will provide a classification code, which will contain a minimum of 6 digits signifying each of the different aspects. An example is shown below:
a 0 or a 1, the latter designating that the “intended use” may be on a fire resisting doorset.
3 7 6 1 1 3
There is currently no European wide small scale test method for evaluating hardware when they are to be used on fire resisting doorsets which means that all type tests will have to be conducted as part of a full scale fire test specimen. There is a draft small-scale method under development but there is as yet no anticipated date for formal consultation to be started let alone for a draft to be available for public comment. This means that the scope of the hardware will be determined by the fire tests that are conducted on the actual elements of hardware. For example, if the item of hardware was fire tested on a steel doorset, it is probably not appropriate to fit it onto a timber doorset or vice versa. The examples that could be used are endless but it is important to remember that the document that is provided at the end of the process may, and probably will, be used across many countries within Europe. Therefore, it is essential that the same system for interpreting the test evidence is also used to ensure acceptability across National boundaries. This means that the scope of acceptability of the hardware will need to be closely ‘policed’ so that its appropriateness to particular doorsets is clear. This area is still in need of some development by sector groups under the EU ‘umbrella’ but what is clear is that the scope of applicability will be controlled by a third party and not by the manufacturer as currently happens for the majority of products in the UK. This is
This classification code will vary in the numbers of boxes, and consequently in the number of digits, from product type to product type. Aside from the whole aspect of issuing classifications, which make it easier to translate a code produced in UK into Germany for instance, the code is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it enables the user to easily identify the products that are suited to the performance of the doorset. This is true for all the hardware items being used on the doorset. Therefore, it also enables a whole suite of products to be used, which are compatible, for instance, there is no point using a closer which is suitable for 200,000 cycles if the hinge will cease working after 50,000 cycles. Additionally, the code identifies the ability of the item to be used on a fire-resisting door. This is provided by the 4th digit, which can be
● Performance requirements such as:
– release forces and abuse resistance for exit devices – efficiency, temperature dependency for door closers – static load and endurance for hinges. The above list is definitely not exhaustive and will include other more product specific requirements once the product standards are looked at in more detail.
Pic: Warrington Fire Research Group
FIRE TESTING
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as a result of the importance of the fire aspects of the doorset. The Annex Z of the product standards gives clear instruction that building hardware used on fire resisting or fire escape doors is system 1 attestation and as such there will be an implicit need for the whole operation to be overseen by a certification body, such as Warrington Certification Limited. If the hardware has no intended use on a fire resisting doorset or an escape door then it will be outside the scope of the Mandate, and consequently compliance with any product standards will remain voluntary.
NOTIFIED BODIES It is clear then, that the method of proof of compliance – that is, the level of attestation of conformity – with the requirements of the European technical specification will be high. Fire doors and associated hardware, having been designated a System 1 level of attestation, have the highest level required for any of the product groups. What does this mean in practice? Essentially it means that these products will have to be the subject of independent third party certification provided by bodies such as Warrington Certification who are ‘notified’ or ‘designated’ for the purpose. Testing and classification procedures are aspects of attestation of conformity that are the responsibility of Notified Bodies. These include test laboratories, certification bodies and inspection bodies, which have been notified by the Member State to the Commission. Notification is the process whereby a member state recognises an approval body’s capabilities and credentials to perform various tasks as part of the attestation process and ‘notifies’ the European Commission to that effect. The Group of Notified Bodies was established to ensure mutual confidence and transparency of information relating to attestation of conformity across the Community.
THE PROCESS OF CERTIFICATION The two main elements of certification are initial type testing and factory production control. Within this there are tasks defined for the manufacturer and the certification body. The manufacturer is required to operate the factory production control system and to conduct appropriate sample testing as part of the quality plan. The certification body is responsible for conducting initial type tests on the product, for conducting an initial inspection of the factory and of the factory production control, and also for continuous surveillance, assessment and
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Pic: Warrington Fire Research Group
approval of factory production control. All aspects of the performance and manufacture have to be verified by the notified certification body, before the product can legally be placed on the market. Although the factory production control system does not have to be to ISO 9000, for those companies who have it there should be few surprises except that the factory production control will need to be more product-orientated and address more specifically those parameters, which will affect performance of the product. The most significant change under the CPD is that for fire doors and fire escape doors at the System 1 level of attestation is that the certification body is obliged to take responsibility for verifying compliance with all Essential Requirements. For building hardware, it will be necessary to conduct initial type tests for mechanical and fire requirements and to provide certification from those tests. Warrington Fire Research Group are in the ideal position to assist manufacturers in obtaining the CE mark as within the WFR Group, Warrington APT and Warrington Certification are leaders in the field of hardware testing and certification. To assist manufacturers further Warrington Certification have recently launched the ACE Programme which will ‘hold the manufacturer’s hand’ through the whole process, automatically informing them of the steps necessary to be able to CE mark on the appropriate dates. A manufacturer, having satisfied the certification body that his product conforms to the requirements of the product standard, is then able to affix the CE mark to his product. There are,
inevitably, rules governing the use of the mark but essentially the mark means it can be legally placed on the European market and the accompanying documentation will specify the performance, the field of application and any limitations on use. It is important to reflect on the status of the CE mark and its limitations. It is not a quality mark. It simply shows that a product has met the minimum requirements established for it, and that it is deemed fit to be placed on the European market and complies with the minimum regulatory requirements of Member States. Although four Member States, including the UK, have declared that they will not make CE marking for construction products mandatory. However, this is largely academic since there still remains an obligation on manufacturers to comply with the requirements of the CPD and of course the logical and simplest way to do that is to comply with the requirements for, and to apply the CE mark! That aside it is considered that manufacturers will find that the market will demand CE marking. Certainly products manufactured in States requiring CE marking will be so marked and thus may be expected to have the edge over products without the mark. The good news for a significant number of UK building hardware manufacturers, who have subscribed on a voluntary basis to third party product certification such as CERTIFIRE, is that they will be in a position to apply the CE Mark as soon as the product standards become available.
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Fire-Resistant Glazing for Building Facades By Mike Wood of
PILKINGTON, Germany
Pic: PILKINGTON
Regulations
The need for fire-resistant glass in facades is well recognised in national regulations around the world, to varying degrees depending on fire history. The most pertinent example of this is Japan, where the almost total destruction of a city in the prefecture of Akita in 1978 led the authorities to focus on stopping fire spread from one building to another. The high premium on space in Japan and the closeness of buildings means that there is widespread use of fire-resistant glass in facades. A similar danger is recognised across both Europe and the USA, where the focus is on providing protected access and exit ways and limiting fire movement along the outside within the building of fire origin, as well as preventing fire spread from building to building. Common applications for fire-resistant glass in facades are, for example, where two buildings are close together (eg 3m apart), either side of an internal re-entrant corner to prevent fire jumping across the corner, where glazing adjoins an external escape route (eg along a flat roof or by the side of an escape ladder), where the
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special demands. Most importantly, the fireresistant glass must be installed in an appropriate fire rated external framing system. It isn’t a question of just using an internal system. Most certainly not. The framing system must be especially designed with the requirements of external glazing in mind, of course tightness against rainwater. This means paying attention to the normal requirements for external frames in addition to fire performance, most importantly that the frame should be drained and ventilated against condensation. Other design parameters, such as wind, or snow, loading may also be important. Compared to internal systems, the number of approved external systems are far fewer and the choice more limited. The installation must also be installed only by specialist facade system or glazing companies who can demonstrate the necessary experience. The overall glazing specification also has to be taken account of – and there are a number of multifunctional combinations that may be required, to be integrated within the glazing without impairing its fire resistant function. It isn’t just the individual glazing
GLASS IS, OF COURSE, an automatic choice for building facades. We use it primarily to let light in and to give us a view on the outside world whilst keeping the weather out. Glass is used because of the dramatic visual effects it can give to a building, frequently a distinctive stylish signature or an eyecatching aesthetic impact. Further benefits are to limit heat loss, to maximise overall heat gain in winter or to control solar heating and the sun’s glare at times of high solar intensity. We might also think about acoustic insulation or security against break in. Rarely does fire protection come first to mind. And yet there isn’t one of us who hasn’t considered the potentially horrific effects of fire in our high density, high rise urban centres.
building adjoins a pedestrian pathway at ground level, and on adjacent floor levels to prevent fire movement up the facade by progressive fire break out and break in through the glazing. Whether the glazing remains intact or not can be a dominant fcator determining the rate of fire spread and the fierceness of the fire, determined by the supply of fresh oxygen or not.
Demands on FireResistant Glass Facades However, fire-resistant glass facades are not straightforward, and there are some
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showed that toughened glass, for example in spandrel panels, shattered explosively. The effects in terms of fire breakout were dramatic.
Full Scale Facade Test
Pic: PILKINGTON
element that has to be considered either. The whole facade is a major linked construction. The fire-resistant glazed facade therefore has to take into account expansion allowances and the mechanical stability of long runs of vertical and horizontal metal framing members under prospective fire conditions. The weight of the facade elements and structural loadings may also be important. The linkage between individual fire-resistant modules has to be considered, particularly with regard to fire stopping, and there is also the question of flat or inclined glazed roofs to be decided, which may require special fire tests to be carried out. The provision of fire-resistant glazing facades therefore becomes more of an engineering question than is the case for internal fire-resistant partitions and doors.
Testing The standard fire tests carried out according to national standards do not test whole facade systems. The scale required is too large and the cost too high for routine tests. Yet, how can we check that the extrapolation from single glazed element tests to the whole facade system is predictable, safe and reliable? PILKINGTON has taken the opportunity to carry out a large scale fire simulation trial on a rig developed at the former LPC laboratory in Borehamwood, UK. No other system or manufacturer was tested. The LPC had carried out a programme of 19 tests on standard non-fire resistant glass facades in response to a major concern from insurance companies on the rising costs of property damage, due to both fire and associated water damage. These tests highlighted the curtainwall as a point of weakness. The results showed that standard annealed glass in insulating glass units cracked within 6 to 13 minutes of ignition of the test fire. They also
At the end of the LPC programme, PILKINGTON sponsored a test on a commercially available fire-resistant facade system. The test rig was 7.4m high by 6m wide, simulating two floors of a building with two rooms, one above the other, each sized 6m x 4m x 3.3m high. The rig was totally glazed along the front face, installed in the same way as it would be on a real building. The test glazing included PILKINGTON Pyrodur as the inner panel of a double glazed unit, with an
Pic: PILKINGTON
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Fire-Resistant Glazing for Building Facades outer panel of standard float glass. Firerated toughened spandrels were installed in the non-vision areas. Individual pane sizes were 1.8m by 1.5m. The fire was lit in the centre of the bottom floor, using a timber and plastic crib of calorific value of 15MJ/kg to give a relatively steady heat release rate of 3MW. This was specifically chosen to reproducibly simulate the possible fire load in a typical office environment. Fire plume temperatures quickly rose to 800°C in three minutes, providing a high element of thermal shock right at the start, reaching a peak of 900°C after 35 minutes. The test was allowed to run for as long as it took the fire to burn itself out, around 45 minutes.
Within five minutes of ignition, the intumescent interlayer of the glazing in the fire chamber started to foam at a temperature around 120°C to provide an opaque heat and flame barrier. The intumescence proceeded quickly and evenly across the glass face, being complete within only a few minutes. Once the initial foaming had taken place, the glass remained unchanged for the remainder of the test. The effect was to totally block out the fire and heat as seen from the outside. An important consideration in facade situations is radiant heat, which can at relatively low intensity levels (eg 15 to 20kW/m2) cause ignition of combustible materials, as well as serious burns even for those wearing protective clothing. The measured radiant heat in the large scale facade test on the outer surface of the glazing was never more than 1kW/m2. Furthermore, the temperature of the outside of the glazing took more than 35 minutes to rise above 100°C. Such a high level of performance restricting heat transfer through the facade, in addition to the prevention of external flaming, is of particular importance in protecting firefighters working on the outside, as well as restricting spread of fire. During the full time of the test, the PILKPyrodurTM glass units remained unbroken and the fire was totally conINGTON
Pic: PILKINGTON
tained within the room of origin. The vision areas and spandrel panels remained intact, as did the steel framing members. There was no fire breakout through the facade.
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Standards for Special Hazards Suppression Systems T he adoption of codes and standards in the fire protection industry, as well as increased public awareness of safety practices, have resulted in substantial reductions in loss of life and property damage due to the effects of fire. When it comes to special hazards systems, two sets of standards are of global significance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; those created by the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the National Fire
By MITCH LEBOVIC, CAE
Protection Association (NFPA). This article will outline both ISO and NFPA standards that apply to clean agent, foam, carbon dioxide and dry and wet chemical suppression systems. For details on the standards, visit the organizationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; web sites at www.iso.org and www.nfpa.org.
Enquiries: www.thefireshop.com
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HALON SYSTEMS
ISO 7201-1 provides specifications for Halon 1301 and Halon 1211 installations. ISO 7201-2 provides a code of practice for safe handling and transfer procedures of Halon 1301 and 1211. In the United States, NFPA 12A is the technical standard that covers designing, installing, testing, inspecting, approving, listing, operating, main-
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taining, decommissioning, and removing halogenated agent extinguishing systems. Because Halon was found to be a potential ozone depleter, there are also guidelines for proper handling and disposal of the agent. Two excellent sources of information are the Halon Alternatives Research Corporation (www.harc.org) and the Halon Users National Consortium (www.hunc.org).
HALON ALTERNATIVES With the ban on Halon manufacture came the development of environmentally-friendly alternative clean agents. A separate set of standards applies to these agents. From ISO, standard 14520 applies to gaseous fire extinguishing systems. ISO 14520 is comprised of 14 parts. Part one covers general requirements and Parts two through 14 cover agent-specific requirements. The agents are categorized into two distinct classes, halocarbon and inert. Halocarbon agents act largely by heat absorption, although having some chemical effect on the flame combustion reactions. Inert agents contain reactive gases that act primarily by oxygen depletion.
From NFPA, standard 2001 addresses the design, installation, testing, inspection, operation, and maintenance of the new gaseous agent fire suppression systems. It also specifies components for clean agent systems, including agent supply, distribution and detection, actuation and control systems. Information and minimum requirements are included for 11 clean agents. The most notable difference between ISO 14520 and NFPA 2001 is a change in the safety factor used in calculating the design concentration of extinguishing agents in air. Traditionally, the design concentration was 1.2 times the Cup Burner value but a more rigorous approach has been taken in that the safety factor has been increased to 1.3 times the maximum concentration required to extinguish fires. Many yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience has shown that a factor of 1.2 was adequate and NFPA 2001 retains a factor of 1.2 for Class A and C risks. The European Community felt that a higher factor was more appropriate for new installations. However, unless specifically required by the user, existing systems are considered perfectly adequate and do not need to be modified.
Pic: Fire Suppression Systems Association
CARBON DIOXIDE NFPA 12 provides minimum requirements for installation and maintenance of carbon dioxide extinguishing systems. The standard is prepared for the use and guidance of those who purchase, design, install, test, inspect, approve, list, operate or maintain carbon dioxide fire extinguishing system equipment. It covers total flooding systems, local application systems, hand hose line systems, standpipe systems, and mobile supplies.
FOAM ISO 7203-1 provides specifications for low expansion foam concentrates
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Pic: Fire Suppression Systems Association
Pic: Fire Suppression Systems Association
for top application to water-immiscible liquids. ISO 7203-3 covers specifications for medium and high expansion foam concentrates for top application to water-immiscible liquids. In the United States, NFPA 11 covers the characteristics of foam-producing materials used for fire protection and the requirements for the design, installation, operation, testing, and maintenance of equipment and systems. Also covered are flammable and combustible liquid hazards and local areas within buildings, and storage tanks and indoor and outdoor processing areas. NFPA 11A outlines the minimum requirements for the installation, design, operation, testing, and maintenance of medium and high expansion foam systems.
DRY AND WET CHEMICAL ISO 7202 covers powdered fire extinguishing media. In the United States, NFPA 17 provides minimum requirements for dry chemical extinguishing systems, plus discussion of total flooding, local application, hand hose lines, and engineered and pre-engineered extinguishing systems. NFPA 17A applies to the design, installation, operation, testing, and maintenance of wet chemical extinguishing systems. It includes minimum requirements for restaurant and institutional hoods, plenums, ducts, and associated cooking appliances.
APPLICATION STANDARDS In addition to the installation standards
Pic: Fire Suppression Systems Association
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mentioned above, some countries have application standards as well. For example, NFPA 75 is the United States’ standard for the protection of electronic computer/data processing equipment. “If you were putting a clean agent system into a United States computer room, you would look at NFPA 75 for guidance on protecting the room itself,” says George Krabbe, chairman of the board of Automatic Fire Controls in South Holland, Ill. and a member of the NFPA 75 committee. “Then, you would look at NFPA 2001 which is the clean agent standard. You would also have to look at the NFPA 72 series for detection standards.” Krabbe adds that an application standard such as NFPA 75 rarely requires a specific type of fire protection. It simply outlines available options and references appropriate installation standards. Beyond application standards, Krabbe says that local electrical and building codes must be followed. In many cases, those local codes refer back to national standards. But, in cases where they don’t, it’s always the more stringent code that must be followed.
DETECTION STANDARDS As Krabbe mentioned, anyone installing a special hazards system will also need to be informed of standards relating to fire detection. ISO 7240 is the international standard on fire detection and alarm systems. NFPA 72, also known as the National Fire Alarm Code, deals with the application, installation, performance, and maintenance of protective signaling systems and their components. This is a comprehensive guide to the design, installation, maintenance, testing, and use of fire alarm system. In the United States, designers, installers, authorities having jurisdiction and maintenance personnel depend on the Code as a source for safety guidelines, up-to-date technology and industry practices.
GLOBAL STANDARDS There are many standard-making bodies beyond ISO and NFPA. In many cases, the standards adopted by these organizations mirror the ISO standards. In other cases, the standards are unique. Wherever you install a special hazards system, check with both national and local governments to determine applicable codes and standards. Here are a few national organizations that produce fire protection standards. Europe Great Britain British Standards Institute www.bsi-global.com France Association Francaise de Normalization www.afnor.fr Germany VdS Schadenverhutung www.vds.de Norway Det Norske Veritas www.dnv.com Australia Fire Protection Association of Australia www.fpaa.com.au SSL Australia www.sslaustralia.com.au Asia China Tenjuin Fire Institute Korea Korean Fire Equipment Inspection Corporation Hong Kong HK Fire Services www.info.gov.hk/hkfsd Malaysia BOMBA www.bomba.gov.my
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ARGON FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS Clean, Clear and Colorless, Argon inert gas (IG-01) Halon 1301 Alternative, fire suppression systems for occupied spaces
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P R O D U C T
P R O F I L E
DUPONT’S NEW STREAMING AGENT, FE-36™ – THE SOLUTION YOU HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR
DUPONT FE-36™ Halon clean agent fire protection s the original clean fire-extinguishing agents, Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 were widely used in a variety of applications due to a number of features, which made them extremely valuable to end-users. First, Halons were particularly effective as fire extinguishing agents because they acted directly on the chemical mechanism of the fire. This feature made them effective at relatively low concentrations – they did not need to “smother” the fire, which would require higher concentrations. This both reduced the cost of the hardware and agent needed to protect an enclosure and increased the level of safety for people that could be exposed to discharges of these agents. Secondly, compared to other extinguishing agents, Halon products were gaseous, highly efficient and electrically nonconductive products, which left no residue. There was no consequential or downtime associated with post-fire clean up. They had low levels of toxicity and were also effective on class A, B and C rated fires making them applicable to numerous applications
A
Halon 1211, the “old” streaming agent Halon 1211, also known as BCF, was the primary clean agent used in portable fire extinguishers. This agent is delivered as a stream of droplets aimed at the source of the fire. Unfortunately, despite all of the societal benefits of superior fire protection, Halons were found to have a significant, detrimental impact on the earth’s ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol, an internationally adopted environmental initiative to phase-out the production of ozone depleting chemicals, mandated a ban on Halon production after 1993. The ban on Halons left the fire protection industry with the daunting task of developing replacement extinguishing agents. As a leader in the area of industrial safety,
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DuPont is continuously evaluating new products and new applications for “old” products to improve the level of industrial safety around the world. Consistent with this mission, the DuPont Fire Extinguishants business worked aggressively to develop new, non-ozone depleting, clean fire extinguishing agents designed to replace the “old” extinguishing agents, like Halon 1211.
DuPont™ FE-36™, the “new” streaming agent From the earliest development work, it was clear that finding a “perfect” replacement for the Halon products was going to be a significant challenge. This was particularly true for Halon 1211, where its cost, toxicity and efficiency made finding a “look-a-like” replacement very difficult. Resulting from this R&D effort, DuPont developed many of the leading clean fire-extinguishing agents used globally today. For example, DuPont developed the technology for the use of HFC236fa as the leading global replacement for Halon 1211. HFC-236fa (hexafluoropropane) is commonly referred to in the market as DuPont™ FE-36™, a trademark of DuPont. FE-36™ is the clean streaming agent that comes closest to matching Halon 1211 in its properties and performance, with the added advantage that it is a non-ozone depleting substance. FE-36™ is environmentally
acceptable, safe for assets and safe for people. FE-36™ is as close to a perfect replacement for Halon 1211 in portable applications as you can get.
FE-36™ versus CO2 As a first reaction to the ban and phase out of Halon 1211, many end-users of portable fire extinguishers turned to Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as an immediate solution to their problems. Unlike FE-36™, CO2 has no direct effect on the chemical mechanism of the fire. It works by smothering and, to a limited extent, cooling the fire. Because FE-36™ interacts with the chemical reaction that occurs in a fire, it is a more effective fire extinguishant than CO2. FE-36™ is rated for class A, B and C fires versus CO2, which is only rated for class B and C fires. FE-36™ is effective on class A fires because as a streaming agent it can wet the burning material thus reducing the possibility of re-ignition. With FE-36™, the risk of choosing the wrong extinguisher is eliminated. Since CO2 is not rated for class A fires, which most applications are classified as, a dry chemical unit needs to be located at the fire extinguisher station, which can cause confusion. An example of the cost of using the wrong agent in a fire situation is the fire that destroyed the National Weather Service supercomputer located in Maryland, USA, in September 1999. In order to meet code, a CO2 and dry chemical extinguisher were located near the supercomputer. When an electrical fire broke out near the supercomputer, the dry chemical fire extinguisher was chosen inadvertently and as a result, the computer was destroyed. The cost of the computer was US$45 million. FE-36™ is a more effective fire extinguishant than CO2 requiring less agent and, as a consequence FE-36™ fire extinguishers for a given rating are smaller and substantially lighter than CO2 ones. This can make them more manageable and easier to use. FE-36™ protects sensitive and valuable assets. It is relatively gentle compared to CO2 in its application and has no adverse effect on delicate materials such as fabrics, paint, electronic circuits, magnetic storage materials. With FE-36™ there is no thermal shock, unlike CO2, which discharges from the nozzle at temperatures as low as –50°C.
FE-36™ – Your Solution A number of companies have already decided that the savings resulting from the use of other agents, such as CO2 extinguishers, is not worth the risk to protect valuable assets. This is the reason why FE-36‘ portable extinguishers are selected as the most suitable option to protect high-value assets like computer rooms, telecommunications facilities, process control rooms, museums, etc. FE-36™ is environmentally acceptable, safe for people and safe for assets. Portable fire extinguishers containing DuPont™ FE-36™ and certified by EN3 and UL are commercially available from several manufacturers. Protect what matters most with DuPont™ FE-36™. DuPont de Nemours International S.A. Dupont Fire Extinguishants 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex Geneva, Switzerland TEL: +41 22 717 5111 FAX: + 41 22 717 6169 www.dupont.com/fire
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Danfoss pumps for water mist systems LOOKING FOR QUICK FIRE SUPPRESSION WITH MINIMAL WATER DAMAGE? GO FOR HIGH PRESSURE WATER MIST SYSTEMS. DANFOSS PUMPS DELIVER THE WATER PRESSURE. One of the worlds most advanced microbiological laboratories, Karolinska Institute in Sweden, relies on a high pressure water mist system for fire suppression. And Nessie® pumps from Danfoss deliver the water pressure. Using high pressure water mist meets some very significant requirements, like being harmless to people and environment, extinguishing fire very quickly with minimum amount of water causing only little or no water damage, and being a lightweight and space saving system. The areas using water mist systems are rapidly expanding. From the marine and offshore sectors where they have increased safety onboard to segments like tunnels, computer rooms, in machinery spaces and fast response vehicles. To get the best results using a minimum amount of water, the drop sizes should be smaller than 50 micron, but not larger than 200 micron. To get this and still have a reasonable reach, a high pressure system is the optimum solution.
Danfoss pumps Nessie® radial high pressure piston pumps from Danfoss are more and more often used because of their low weight, high efficiency and ability to generate uniform pressure without pressure peaks. Furthermore, these pumps are maintenance free in operation. Combined with the nozzle inserts and the valve programme, a one-stop supplier of components for designing and building water mist systems, Danfoss is a preferred component sub-supplier for high pressure water mist system suppliers around the world. On request we can also deliver custommade ready-to-use pump units. Founded in 1933 in Denmark, Danfoss is today a truly global company with sales companies and representatives in more than 100 countries and 20000 employees. For more information, please contact: Danfoss A/S, Fax: +45 7445 3831 E-mail: waterhydraulics@danfoss.com.
BEAM DETECTOR PUTS CONTROLS WITHIN EASY REACH An optical beam smoke detector from Fire Fighting Enterprises allows the user to carry out basic control functions from a convenient location at floor level. FireRay 2000 comprises an infrared transmitter, a receiver and a compact, wall-mounted controller. Unlike detectors with built-in control electronics, the separate controller allows adjustment of sensitivity levels, and checking of alarm and fault status, without the need to climb up to ceiling level or go to the building’s main fire control panel. Two versions of the controller are available. The standard FireRay 2000 unit operates a single beam detector, while for larger installations, the multi-channel FireRay MW version can control up to four devices. With a single detector able to protect an area of up to 1500 m2, FireRay 2000 is suitable for installation in most buildings with large interior spaces and high ceilings. Typical applications include commercial premises such as warehouses, factories and malls. In addition, because one device protects an area that would require up to 15 point detectors, the beam detector is ideal for historical buildings where delicate plasterwork makes extensive cabling undesirable. A drift compensation feature ensures that gradual reduction in signal strength (caused by either a build-up of dust or slight movement of the building) does not result in an unwanted alarm. Also, the detector is able to “ignore” momentary blockage of the beam by insects or birds, while continuous obstruction by an opaque obstacle will cause it to register a fault at the controller. Suitable for supply voltages between 12 and 24 V DC, FireRay 2000 has a low current consumption, making it easy to integrate into detection and
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Product Update
alarm systems. In its quiescent state, the controller draws 8 mA at 24 V DC per channel, while the transmitter draws 5 mA at 24 V DC. The receiver is powered by the controller For more information, please call: Fire Fighting Enterprises Limited Fax +44 (0) 1438 722136 E-mail rbrown@ffeuk.com
Fogtec water mist systems are an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to Halon, deluge and gas extinguishing systems for the protection of accommodation and machinery areas on offshore platforms. Particularly gas turbines represent one of the largest risks on offshore platforms, which can ideally be protected with a Fogtec water mist system. Because there is no other extinguishing agent having the same cooling ability like water, Fogtec systems use high pressure water mist to generate a droplet size distribution giving the optimal combination of a large reaction surface for the heat transfer and the minimum size for sufficient momentum of the droplets. Numerous tests have proven, that water mist generated by Fogtec systems can reduce the temperature during liquid fuel fires much faster and more efficiently than most conventional systems because of the comparatively poor cooling properties of gas and deluge systems. The water mist leads to an immediate drop in temperature in case of fire and protects nearby objects and people from radiant heat. Pure water is no danger to people and can be activated immediately after detection of the fire. The smoke scrubbing effect of Fogtec systems, thus binding of smoke particles and washing of water soluble gases, considerably reduces emissions compared to deluge and gas extinguishing systems. Fogtec has successfully undergone approval testing the system for gas turbine protection according to FM standards. For more information, please contact : Fogtec Brandschutz Gmbh & Co KG Fax +49 221 96 223 30 E-Mail: contact@fogtec.com
LPCB APPROVAL FOR LPG ARGON LPG’s ARGON Fixed Fire Fighting Components have been approved by LPCB. The extinguishing agent used in LPG ARGON systems is Argon, an inert gas that is found in the atmosphere and so it is readily available and easy to refill, unlike blended mixtures. LPG Argon fire extinguishing systems are based on the principle of reducing the oxygen concentration in the protected hazard, suppressing fire by suffocation.
THE NATURAL EXTINGUISHANT ● Naturally occurring gas ● Zero Ozone Depletion Potential ● Zero Global Warming Potential ● Safe for using in occupied areas ● Doesn’t leave residues ● No ice formation ● Low refill costs (it isn’t blended mixture) LPG’s Argon system has been developed through a continuous R&D programme carried out in its own testing laboratory including combustion chambers. Both the required hardware and software have been develop in accordance with International Standards, holding at present VdS and LPCB approvals. Since 1985, LPG has been researching, designing, manufacturing and supplying a wide range of fixed fire extinguishing systems to protect life and property. Among LPG’s most important products are the total flooding systems based on gaseous extinguishing agents such as FM-200TM, FE-13TM LPCB, CNPP and VNIPO approved, CO2 VdS and VNIPO approved, ARGON LPCB, VdS and VNIPO approved, and also WATER MIST systems. The Company currently has ISO 9001 Quality Certification by the German TÜV and ISO 9002 by LPCB of the United Kingdom. LPG has also developed a weighing system, which simplifies the process of controlling the extinguishing agent charge in the cylinders. This system is approved by VNIPO. For more information, please contact: LPG Técnicas en Extinción de Incendios, S.A. Fax: +34 93 473 7492 E-mail: export@lpg.es INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com
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Sensa Sensa’s Linear Heat Detection System uses fibre optic Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) technology. This system is ideally suited for fire detection and environmental monitoring in tunnels and other high risk areas. Sensa’s Systems provide real-time temperature data, which can link into the tunnel or building management and control system to maximise safety, optimise tunnel and asset availability and provide condition monitoring for power cables in ducts and tunnels. These systems offer high integrity, with multiple detection zones and alarm levels over the single length of optical fibre sensor. Hot spots and breaks are detected to within 0.5 m over a single sensor loop, up to 8 km long. Fast polling times provide fast system response to alarm conditions, and continuous temperature profile information permits easy assessment of fire development. Sensa’s range of Linear Heat Detection systems can cover various distances of up to 8 km from one optoelectronics unit. Protective options including stainless steel SensorTube are available. The sensing element contains no electronic components and is therefore ideal for harsh environments, and is economical to maintain. The system can output to relays, Modbus and PC visualisation concurrently. Tunnel operators, power utilities, constructors and engineers can benefit from Sensa’s Linear Heat Detection Systems. For more information, please contact: Sensa, Fax: +44(0)2380 275305 E-mail: info@sensa.org
SUPERINTENSIVE FOAM FLOODING
A revolution in tank fire extinguishment Foam is the most suitable agent to extinguish fires in a storage tank containing flammable liquids. Foam application rates are traditionally NFPA-11 based and are typically 4.1 l/min/m2 for fixed systems, 6.5 l/min/m2 for monitor application, and 12.2 l/min/m2 for rim seal areas. It is known that doubling or tripling the standard foam application rate results in a very high success rate of extinguishment. Using conventional methods to achieve such a high application rate requires a lot of foam generators, many foam pourers, high water pumping rate and very high foam proportioning capacity. This means there are cost implications that prohibit the selection of such a system.
Superintensive Foam Flooding ● IFEX Engineering Co. in Hungary developed a revolutionary new extinguishing concept, using 5-10 times higher foam solution intensity, than the traditional recommendations prescribe. That is the Superintensive Foam Flooding (SFF). ● It uses extremely high foam flow rates, which is provided by the new foam application device, called Continuous Linear Nozzle (CLN). ● The feeding of the CLN requires a high performance foam supply system. The most suitable foam supply system is the Self Expanding Foam system (SEF). There are two alternatives: the fixed SEF foam supply system or the mobile SEF foam supply system. ● One of the advantages of the Self Expanding Foam concept is, that it has no release rate limitations. By combining the SEF method with the newly developed high capacity CLN, it is easy to achive the application rates of 20-30 l/min/m2. ● The result of this combination is a highly efficient system. Tests carried out on a 500m2 gasoline tank on fire repeatedly resulted in extinguishment in less than 30 seconds. The reliability of the system is very high, the valve is the only moving part. ● The SEF storage vessel can be fixed, located near to the hydrocarbon tank, or mobile and carried by a truck.
Advantages of the SEF system over conventional systems ● Requires considerably lower capital investment. ● Requires considerable lower operating costs. ● The system is fully autonomous and does not require water system backup.
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● It does not require external energy sources like fire truck or electric pump. ● Is so simple that making mistakes under stressful fire conditions is unlikely. ● Its simplicity eliminates the need for specialists to operate and maintain the system. ● Uses a perfectly proportioned foam, mixed under calm and controlled conditions. ● The foam is stored under pressure; no pump or other pressure raising source is required. ● The pressure of the container determines the expansion; no aspirating device is required. ● Produces optimum quality foam at all flow rates. ● Its flow rate is virtually unlimited; pumps, proportioners and aspirating devices are not there. ● Very high foam producing rates can be easily achieved at modest cost. ● Has only a few key elements requiring regular inspection. For more information, please contact: T F E X Engineering Co. Fax: + 361 249 2114 E-mail: szocs@ifex.hu
DEVELOPMENTS IN ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING PROTECTION Protection of High Value Assets and Data is vital to modern day companies, many companies have moved from manpower to machine power relying heavily on the technology to assist in their day-to-day operations. Normal protection of this equipment would entail a complicated system design along with a considerable cost to the user for the installation of such a system; large applications also involve considerable system downtime and clean up operations in the event of a false activation or real fire activation affecting only one part of the area. With this in mind redetec™ was developed by Tailored Fire Products to provide a cost effective solution to protection of this essential equipment. redetec™ is a compact unit for use in 19” equipment racks; the unit is generally located at the top of the cabinet which affords greater protection of the equipment situated below. Within the redetec™ unit is a choice of detection, an array of control features and a choice of extinguishing agent – all situated within the aesthetically pleasing 2U (88mm) high control panel.
Advantages One of the major advantages of redetec™ is its simplicity, once the type of unit has been decided it is simply matter of plugging it into the mains supply and the cabinet is protected. Of course the redetec™ comes complete with 24hr battery back up as standard and is packed with many more features. The unit has an array of remote outputs and inputs for communication to other monitoring equipment. The amount of extinguishing agent required to suppress a fire within a cabinet is minimal which allows the agent to be mounted within the control panel, this of course comes as standard.
Applications There are many applications for redetec™ which range from a single office with a small server to a large EDP room with hundreds of cabinets.
Types of Extinguishing Agent At the moment redetec™ can utilise both Pyrogen® and FM200® redetec™ is a trademark of tailored fire products FM200®™ is a registered trademark of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation Pyrogen®™ is a registered trademark of Pyrogen Ltd For more information, please contact Tailored Fire Products Fax: +44 (0)1204 380 474 E-mail: info@redetec.co.uk
2ND INTERNATIONAL WATER MIST CONFERENCE IN AMSTERDAM After the first successful annual conference in April this year in Vienna, Austria, the venue and date for the 2002 symposium have been determined recently. This event to be organized by the IWMA is, hence, the 2nd International Water Mist Conference. The conference is scheduled for April 10-12 and will be held in cooperation with independent institutions who are members of the IWMA. They are going to provide the necessary scientific support for the symposium. The Parkhotel in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, was chosen as next year’s location. For more information, please contact IWMA Fax: +49 39 202 85 250 E-mail: icke@iwma.net
SharpEye™ Flame
DETECTORS
SHARPEYE UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY The SharpEye Flame Detectors incorporate advanced optical spectral analysis of flames and are contained in rugged, explosion-proof aluminum or stainless steel housings. SharpEye Flame Detectors operate reliably in the harsh conditions of offshore drilling and production platforms, FPSO vessels, fuel loading facilities, LNG and LPG plants, oil refineries, aircraft hangars, paint spray booths, gas turbine power stations, chemical and petrochemical plants. The SharpEye Flame Detectors are approved by internationally accepted Standards Institutes such as FM (Factory Mutual), CENELEC (Europe), CSA (Canada), SAA (Australia). These detectors employ the latest UV (Ultra Violet), IR (Infrared), UV/IR (Ultra Violet & Infrared), IR3 (Triple IR multi-spectrum detection) and the new unique CCTV flame detection technologies. SharpEye offers an unmatched performance and reliability range of products including the SHARPEYE RANGE world's fastest UV/IR OF FLAME DETECTORS flame detector (under 2 milliseconds) with the IR Optical Flame Detectors greatest immunity to false alarms, as well as UV Optical Flame Detectors the world’s leading Triple UV/IR Optical Flame Detectors IR (IR3) patented Ultra Fast UV/IR Optical Flame Detectors technology that enables the detection of small Military UV/IR Optical Flame Detectors fires at long distances IR3 Optical Flame Detectors while providing Fast IR3 Optical Flame Detectors enhanced immunity to false alarms. CCTV Flame Detector
TYPICAL FLAME DETECTION APPLICATIONS • • • • • • • • • • •
Oil and gas production, processing, transportation and storage areas Fuel loading terminals Aircraft hangars Nuclear power stations Chemical production, processing, transportation and storage areas Warehouses and storage facilities Waste disposal facilities Ammunition work stations Polymers, paper, timber, semiconductor industries Ammonia and urea industries Various unmanned indoor and outdoor high-risk areas
Oil and Gas
APPLICATIONS
Propane storage facilities protected by SafEye Open Path Gas Detection Systems
SharpEye Triple IR (IR3) advanced flame detectors are installed in industrial indoor and outdoor applications such as aircraft hangars, petrochemical plants, automotive industries and power generation facilities SafEye Optical Open Path (Lineof-Sight) Gas Detectors are installed on numerous FPSO vessels and offshore platforms in the UK and Norwegian sectors of the North Sea
The entire range of SharpEye explosion-proof flame detectors covers offshore installations
SharpEye Flame Detectors and SafEye Open Path Gas Detector Perimeter (fence line) Monitoring Systems protect a typical petrochemical plant
SafEye™ Gas Detection
SYSTEMS
SAFEYE OPTICAL OPEN PATH GAS MONITORING SYSTEMS The SafEye range of "line-of-sight" optical gas detectors features a new generation of Open Path IR and UV detection. Open path spectroscopy offers unprecedented reliability in real-time monitoring of gaseous emissions over large areas, rendering it the accepted technology for industrial and environmental applications. The systems provide exceptional detection capability of gas/vapor concentrations ranging from as low as Parts Per Million (PPM) levels to Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) levels in a wide range of hazardous conditions and ambient air monitoring. The SafEye system employs a unique flash light source coupled with optical detectors and mathematical algorithms to spectrally analyze an air path ranging from 2 ft. to 450 ft. (0.6m - 140m) with high detection sensitivity in both UV and IR spectral bands. The system is compatible with a wide range of control systems providing multiple outputs (dry contacts, 4-20 mA, RS-485). The open path line-of-sight gas detection system can monitor and transmit an alarm signal prior to occurrence of fire or an explosion, identify the chemical family concerned and activate preventative systems. The SafEye gas detection system can serve as a process control component in the chemical and petrochemical industries, or as a safety system in commercial and industrial applications.
TYPICAL GAS DETECTION APPLICATIONS • Oil and gas industry - offshore and onshore platforms, refineries, storage facilities and pipelines • Petrochemical, pharmaceutical, chemical process, storage and production areas • Waste treatment and disposal sites • Hazardous materials loading docks, transportation and shipping depots and warehouses • Compressors, turbines and pumping stations • Paint spray booths in automotive manufacturing • Fuel and gas storage loading and distribution terminals, LNG - LPG systems and natural gas bus garages • Process control applications including: - Gas monitoring in chemical processes - Desulfurization process (H2S) - Monitoring toxic and flammable gases in air-ducts and air-intakes
Industrial
APPLICATIONS
SharpEye Triple IR (IR3) Flame Detectors and SafEye Open Path Gas Detectors protect El Paso, Texas Gas Storage Tank Farms
SafEye Duct Gas Detectors protect BP installations in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, where temperatures can reach -40˚F (-40˚C)
SharpEye Triple IR (IR3) Flame Detectors and SafEye Open Path Gas Detectors protect Brevik Chemical Waste Treatment Plant in Norway
SharpEye and SafEye Detectors work in difficult environmental conditions and incorporate sophisticated algorithms and logic to prevent false alarms, providing fast and accurate detection over great distances
135 SharpEye Triple IR (IR3) Flame Detectors and 110 SafEye Open Path Gas Detection Systems protect ETAP (Eastern Trough Area Project), North Sea, UK, one of the world's largest and most modern offshore oil production platforms
Military Vehicle
SYSTEMS
The Military S.A.F.E. Vehicle Automatic Fire and Explosion Detection and Suppression System was developed to address the United Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and other leading armiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; requirements for crew survivability and safety, vehicle survivability as well as system survivability in all operating conditions. The systems are designed to meet strict military standards and specifications. Internationally, more than 50 types of armored vehicles including Main Battle Tanks (Leopard C1, M48, M60, T62, T72, AMX 30, Kurrassier), Armored Personnel Carriers (M113, BMR, VEC), Armored Fighting Vehicles (Pizarro, Leonidas), Artillery vehicles (M109, M110, FAASV, CPV) and special purpose vehicles (Engineering, Recovery, Bridge Launching) have been integrated with over 9,000 S.A.F.E. systems to date. These systems were thoroughly tested, were approved by several NATO and other leading armies. These systems are well proven and have an excellent track record of performance and reliability. Use of the S.A.F.E. system results in a substantial increase in crew and vehicle survival, reduced vehicle loss, increased capability and improved morale among the troops. The system protects against combat-initiated and slow-growth fires featuring high-speed optical detection in less than 3 milliseconds, explosion suppression within 150 milliseconds, multiple ultra fast extinguishing agent discharge and dispersion. Control electronics provide system activation logic, self and built-in test capabilities, system monitoring and communication with vehicle electronics. System components are robust, comply with the latest Mil-Specs and provide for a highly reliable free of false alarm system. Spectrex has accumulated worldwide experience in armored vehicle projects involving all stages from assistance in prototype integration through supervision of serial production and installation, and provision of documentation, Integrated Logistic Support and after sales services.
Military Systems
APPLICATIONS
Crew Compartment System incorporates environmentally acceptable extinguishing agents S.A.F.E. Systems incorporate optical flame detectors, control electronics, rapid discharge cylinders and field test equipment
Integrated damage control system incorporates sensing of fire, heat, smoke, flooding and status indications from auxiliary systems
Engine Compartment System employs state-of-the-art discharge and dispersion technologies Military Systems protect both crew and engine compartments of wheeled and tracked armored personnel carriers and fighting vehicles
Spectrex Inc. 218 Little Falls Road Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 USA Tel: 1 (973) 239-8398 Fax: 1 (973) 239 7614 E-mail: spectrex@spectrex-inc.com Web-site: www.spectrex-inc.com
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SUBSCRIPTIONS
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION
AIK FLAMMADUR Gmbh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 ALARMCOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 AMERICAN PACIFIC CORP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 AUTRONICA FIRE & SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 BAVARIA EGYPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 BST BRANDSCHUTZTECHNIK DOPFL . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 CAFCO INTERNATIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 CHEMGUARD, INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 CONTROL FIRE SYSTEMS LTD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 CONTROL LOGIC S.R.L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 DÄTWYLER INC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 DANFOSS A/S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 DETECTOR ELECTRONICS CORP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 DR. STHAMER HAMBURG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 EDWARDS INTERNATIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 EDWARDS MANUFACTURING, INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 ESSEX FLUID CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 FIRE FIGHTING ENTERPRISES LTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 FIREMAIN ENGINEERING LTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 FIRE & SAFETY TAIPEI 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 FLAMRO BRANDSCHUTZ GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 FOGTEC GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 FS-WORLD.COM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OBC FURNACE CONSTRUCTION LTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 GREAT LAKES CHEMICAL CORPORATION . . .IFC & 40-41 WIRSBO/HOMESAFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 IFEX ENGINEERING LTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 KILSEN S.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 LEIGH’S PAINTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 LPG TECNICAS EN EXTINCION DE INCENDIOS S.A. . . .63 MACRON SAFETY SYSTEMS (UK) LTD. . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 MATRE MASKIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 MORLEY-IAS FIRE SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) . .IBC NELSON FIRSTOP PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 NOTIFIER FIRE SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 NOVEON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 OCV CONTROL VALVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 OGGIONI S.A.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 PILKINGTON DEUTSCHLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 POTTER ELECTRIC SIGNAL COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 PROTEC FIRE DETECTION (EXPORT) LTD . . . . . . . . . . .16 RELIABLE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. INC. . . . . . . . .42 RIGAMONTI GHISA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 SAVAL B.V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 SENSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 SVENSKA SKUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 TAILORED FIRE PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 THE FIRE SHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64-65 VIKING CORPORATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 WARRINGTON FIRE RESEARCH CENTRE . . . . . . . . . . . .13
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